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PRINCETON COLLEGE 



DUBIliG THE 



Eighteenth Century. 



BY 

SAMUEL DAVIES ALEXANDER, 

AN ALUMNUS. 




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NEW YORK: 
ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY, 

770 Broadway, cor. gth Street. 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

ANSON D. F. RA.NDOLPH & CO., 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



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INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 

On account of the many sources from which I have derived my in- 
formation, and not wishing to burden my page with foot-notes, I have 
omitted all authorities. I have drawn from printed books, from old news- 
papers and periodicals, and from family records, and when the words of 
another have suited me, 1 have used them as my own. As Dr. Allen 
says, " Compilers seem to be licensed pillagers. Like the youth of 
Sparta, they may lay their hands upon plunder without a crime, if they 
will but seize it with adroitness." 

Allen's Biographical Dictionary, Sprague's Annals, and Duyckinck's 
Cyclopaedia of American Literature, have been of the greatest service ; 
but in many instances I have gone to the original sources from which 
they derived their information. I have also used freely the Centennial 
Discourses of Professors Giger and Cameron of the College. 

The book does not profess to be a perfect exhibition of the graduates. 
But it is a beginning that may be carried nearer to perfection in every 
succeeding year. Its very imperfection may lead to the discovery of 
new matter, and the correction of errors which must unavoidably be 
many. 

My object has been to give brief sketches of the Alumni after their 
graduation, yet often stating the place of birth and name of parents. 
Out of 894 graduates during the 18th Century, I have noticed 646. 
The remaining names may be sketched hereafter in a supplement, and 
it is hoped that this publication will stimulate those who possess informa- 
tion of any of those whose names are omitted to send the same to the 
compiler. 

I return my sincere thanks to those persons who have assisted me in 
this work. S. D. A. 



PREFACE. 

The history of a College is best read in the lives of 
her sons. The history of the changes which occur in 
her government and instruction is too contracted in its 
nature. To take in the grand sweep of her influence, 
we must follow her sons as they go forth into the world 
to mould and direct the elements that surround them. 

The biographical notices which are here given of the 
graduates of Princeton, are something more than mere 
personal memoranda, or a table of necrology ; they are 
the facts of a grand generalization, which will demon- 
strate that Princeton has had much to do in securing the 
liberties of our country ; in founding the Presbyterian Church 
in this land ;'^ and in introducing and stimulating the higher 
forms of Academic and Collegiate learning. These Sketches 
are not selected from the great body of graduates ; but it 
is the whole number, just as they stand in the Catalogue, 
so far as their history could be traced. 

The mutterings of the storm which afterwards broke 
upon the country, was faintly heard by the early gradu- 
ates who left the College ; but their lives were passed 
amidst the most tremendous struggles of Liberty against 
Oppression ; and the facts to be presented will leave no 
doubt as to the side upon which the sons of Princeton 

* Other Churches besides the Presbyterian are well represented by Prince- 
ton graduates. James Manning, that bright light in the Baptist Church, 
and the founder and First President of Brown University, was an Alumnus 
of Princeton ; and no less than five Bishops of the Episcopal Church were 
graduates of Princeton, viz., Clagget, Hobart, Meade, Mcllvaine and Johns ; 
while some of the most distinguished laymen among our graduates have 
been members of that Church. 

(vii) 



Vlll PREFACE. 

arrayed themselves; they but carried into practice the 
immortal principles instilled into them by those noble 
men who guided the affairs of the College. 

I have been deeply impressed, while gathering these 
memorials, that the Alumni of Princeton, with but few 
exceptions, as far as I can discover, stood shoulder to 
shoulder on the side of their country. Ministers and 
lavmen vied with each other who should lead the van. 

When we examine the first movements which resulted 
in Independence, we shall find that the graduates of 
Princeton were among the earliest as their originators or 
their most hearty promoters. 

Let a few facts tell the story : The first bloodshed of 
the Revolution was not at Lexinsrton, but several vears 
earlier, on the Alamance, in North Carolina, in an engage- 
ment between Governor Tr3'on's troops and the " Regu- 
lators," on the i6th of May, 1771. And who were these 
Regulators ? Not a set of adventurers, but the sturdy 
members of three Presbyterian Congregations, who had 
as their pastors three graduates of Princeton; one of 
whom had been for days endeavouring to procure peace, 
and, on the day of battle, was on the ground, still hoping 
to avert the blow. 

When the party of patriots went aboard the " Tea 
Ship" in Boston Harbour, Thomas Melville, a graduate 
of the class of 1769, was among the number; and the only 
specimen of that historic tea that escaped the destruction 
of that night was found the next morning in the shoes of 
Melville, and, being placed in a vial, is extant at this 
day. 

When the heavy hand of arbitrary power became al- 
most unbearable, and before the country was aware that 
relief was possible, a little band of brave souls in Noith 
Carolina were at their secluded homes lavino^ the founda- 
tions for the Temple of Liberty. And who were these 
men who conceived and published the Mecklenburg 
Resolutions — who consecrated " life, fortune and sacred 
honour" (their own words) to the country's deliverance? 



PREFACE. iX 

The man who penned these Resolutions, and who was 
the Secretary of the Convention which adopted them, was 
Ephraim Brevard, a graduate of Princeton of the class of 
1768. Next to him, and perhaps the most influential man 
who signed the immortal paper, was Hezekiah James 
Balch, a graduate of the class of 1766; and, to form 
a trinity of Princeton Heroes, Ave add the name of 
Waightstill Avery, of the class of i ^66. Here, then, was 
the first impetus given to the cause of Liberty by men 
who had so lately come forth from the cradle of freedom 
and learning. When one of the graduates of Princeton 
was rudely aroused from sleep by the owner of the 
house in North Carolina, where he had stopped to rest, 
entering his room and saying, '' I allow no man to sleep 
under my roof but a Whig ;" he answered, " Let me rest 
in peace, then, for I graduated at Princeton under Dr. 
Witherspoon, a Signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence;" that is a sufficient pass-word for him. A single 
incident in the life of this great man will show^ the influ- 
ence which pervaded Princeton. When the Declaration 
of Independence was on its passage in the Continental 
Congress, and the result was doubtful, the scale was 
turned, in a great measure, by a speech of Dr. Wither- 
spoon. In the course of that speech (when he perceived 
the House to be wavering) he said : *' There is a tide in 
the affairs of men — a nick of time. We perceive it now 
before us. To hesitate is to consent to slavery. That 
noble instrument on your table, which insures immor- 
tality to its author, should be subscribed this very morn- 
ing by every pen in this House. For my own part, of 
property I have some — of reputation more. That repu- 
tation is staked upon the issue of this contest — that prop- 
erty is pledged ; and although these gray hairs must 
soon descend into the sepulchre, I had infinitely rather 
they should descend thither by the hands of the public 
executioner than desert, at this crisis, the sacred cause 
of my country." No wonder his name was a pass-word 
throughout the American lines. 



X PREFACE. 

< 

When the Continental Congress met, and throughout 
its many dark and desponding, yet heroic sessions, Prince- 
ton was present during different times, in the person of 
twenty-four of her sons ; and when that Congress was 
called upon on the 4th of July, 1776, to sign the Declara- 
tion of Independence, Princeton answered by her Presi- 
dent and two of her Alumni. 

Every department of the army found her well re- 
presented. Almost every Presbyterian clergyman who 
had come forth from her walls was, at one time or 
another, either a chaplain, an officer, or in the ranks. In 
the last letter which one of these wrote to his wife be- 
fore he was barbarously murdered, after he had surren- 
dered, are these touching words : '' We are going over 
to attack the enemy. You would think it strange to see 
your husband, an old man, riding with a French fusee 
slung at his shoulder. This may be the last letter you 
shall ever receive from your husband." 

Let the sketches that follow prove the assertion, that 
the Alumni of Princeton were ever the staunchest, brav- 
est, most self-sacrificing, most persevering friends of 
American Liberty. 

Not only were the graduates of Princeton unanimous 
in their patriotic work, but the Presbyterian Church 
owes a stupendous debt of gratitude to these men, which 
she should, even at this late day, begin to repay. Of the 
six graduates of the first class, five became Presbyterian 
ministers, and the sixth was Richard Stockton, a strong 
Presbyterian, as his Will conclusively proves. Of the 
second class of seven, six became Presbyterian ministers, 
and the seventh was William Burnet, an Elder in the 
Presbyterian Church during Hfe. And how remarkable has 
the work of these men, and of those who followed them, 
been in la3dng the foundations of the Presbyterian Church 
in those forming communities of Western Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North CaroHna, Ken- 



PREFACE. XI 

tucky and Tennessee — the very strongholds of Presbyte- 
rianism at this day ! 

When Samuel Davies left his work in Virginia to as- 
sume his place at Princeton, he left as his successor John 
Todd, a graduate of Princeton of the class of 1749 ; and 
although at first he stood alone, he was soon reinforced 
from the same old Halls by men of like mind and like 
holy purpose ; and their works do follow them. John 
Todd, and William Graham, and Samuel Stanhope 
Smith, all of Princeton, will ever be honoured for their 
foundation work in behalf of the Presbyterian Church in 
Virginia. North Carolina early felt the power of Princeton; 
and Hugh McAden, Hezekiah James Balch, Joseph 
Alexander, and David Caldwell, fresh from College, 
gathered the scattered families into permanent Presbyte- 
rian Churches. Western Pennsylvania, the home of bloody 
savage warfare, but now the very fountain of Presbyte- 
rian power, welcomed from Princeton those noble, self- 
sacrificing pioneers, Thaddeus Dod, John McMillan, 
and others of kindred spirit ; and Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky tell the same story. All these men, with hardly 
an exception, were graduates of Princeton. 

The testimony of General Joseph Reed, that eminent 
patriot, in reference to the influence of the Presbyterian 
Church on our great struggle for Liberty, is worth remem- 
bering. Of that Church he wrote : "When I am convinced 
of its errors, or ashamed of its character, I may perhaps 
change it ; till then I shall not blush at a connection with 
a people who, in this great controversy, are not second 
to any in vigorous exertions and generous contributions, 
and to whom we are so eminently indebted for our de- 
liverance from the thraldom of Great Britain." 

But the influence of the Alumni of Princeton on the 
higher forms of education in our country, is mOre re- 
markable than all. By the side of the Church they 
planted the Classical School, out of which grew many of 
our most important colleges. What breadth of views 
these men must have possessed ; what a foresight into the 



Xll . PREFACE. 

future of the country, which prompted them to inaugu- 
rate these higher schools of learning in the very wilder- 
ness, and amidst the very clangor of savage war ! But 
they were men mighty in faith, mighty in prayer, and 
mighty in work, and we this day humbly and gratefull}^ 
acknowledge their wisdom and their heroism. But let 
me adduce a few facts to establish the claim that Prince- 
ton graduates have ever fostered the higher educational 
interests of our country. 

The man chosen to visit Great Britain and collect 
funds for an Indian Mission School in Connecticut, which 
afterwards grew into Dartmouth College, was Nathaniel 
Whitaker, a graduate of the class of 1752. The College 
of Rhode Island (afterwards Brown University) had its 
origin in the conception and personal exertions of James 
Manning, a graduate of the class of 1762 ; and he became 
its first President. Union College, New York, owes its 
existence in a great measure to the persevering exertions 
of Theodore Dirck Romeyn, a graduate of the class of 
1765, and its first President was John Blair Smith, a 
graduate of the class of 1773, and its second President was 
Jonathan Edwards of the class of 1765. Hamilton Col- 
lege, New York, owes its existence to Samuel Kirkland, 
a graduate of the class of 1765, through whose influence 
Hamilton Oneida Academy was incorporated, and to 
which he conveyed a large landed estate, and which be- 
came, under a new charter, Hamilton College. The first 
Medical College in America, at Philadelphia, was founded 
by William Shippen, a graduate of the class of 1754. He 
also delivered the first course of lectures that had ever been 
given in this countr}^ on Anatomy ; and the first medical 
degree ever conferred in this country w^as by this college 
and to John Archer, a graduate of Princeton, of the class 
of 1760. The second Medical College established in this 
country was at New York, and the men who had the chief 
hand in it, and who became its professors, were James 
Smith, a graduate of the class of 1757, and John V. B. 
Tennent of the class of 1758. The first Provost of the 



PREFACE. Xlll 

University of Pennsylvania after its reorganization, was 
John Ev^ing, a graduate of the class of 1754. When 
Queens College (Rutgers) was revived in 1808, Dr. Liv- 
ingston became the nominal President, but the Vice-Pres- 
ident and the acting President, the man who had done 
more than any other in its revival, was Ira Condict, a 
graduate of the class of 1784. In 1776 John Brov^n, a 
graduate of the class of 1749, started a Grammar School 
at Timber Ridge, Virginia, at which Dr. Archibald x\l- 
exander attended among the first scholars. This school 
grew into Liberty Hall, and that into Washington Col- 
lege, over which we find as first President William Gra- 
ham, a graduate of the class of 1773. About 1776 Samuel 
Stanhope Smith, a graduate of the class of 1769, through 
his eloquence and energy, was the means of founding 
Hampden Sidney College in Virginia, and he was elected 
the first President. The second President was John B. 
Smith, a graduate of the class of 1773. The first meeting 
of the Trustees to take measures for founding Dickinson 
College in Pennsylvania, was held in 1783, and the lead- 
ing man in the Board was Benjamin Rush of the class of 
1760. 

In 1789, Thaddeus Dod, a graduate of the class of 1773, 
established in Western Pennsylvania an Academy which 
was called Washington Academy, of which he was the 
first Principal ; this under a new charter became Wash- 
ington College. A school in the same neighbourhood, 
called the Log Cabin, was started about 1790 by John 
McMillan, a graduate of the class of 1772. Under a new 
charter it became Jefferson College, and John Watson, a 
graduate of the class of 1797, became the first President, 
and James Dunlap, of the class of 1773, the second Presi- 
dent. The first Classical School in North Carolina was 
founded by Joseph Alexander, a graduate of the class 
of 1760, and a charter was obtained from the Colonial Leg- 
islature in 1770, under the name of Queen's Museum. 
This charter was repealed by the King ; but a new char- 
ter was granted by the Legislature in 1771, and again re- 



XIV PREFACE. 

pealed by Proclamation, as being- too liberal. But still 
the College flourished without a charter. It was in the 
halls of this College that the Mecklenburg Convention 
held its sessions. After the Revolution, this College be- 
came Liberty Hall under a new charter, and thirteen of 
its fifteen Trustees were graduates of Princeton. In the 
course of a few years, this College was transferred to 
Winnsboro, South Carolina, and merged in Mount Zion 
College, over which Thomas H. McCaule, a graduate of 
Princeton of the class of 1774, presided. Soon after the 
Revolution, there were six admirable Classical Schools in 
North Carolina, five of them being under the direction 
of graduates of Princeton. In 1796, Joseph Caldwell, a 
graduate of the class of 1791, became Professor of Mathe- 
matics in the University of North Carolina. He found 
the College in a state of disorganization,, but by his faith- 
ful labour and energy, it was saved from ruin, and 
the foundation of its future usefulness laid. Mr. Cald- 
well became its first President in 1804. In 181 1 here- 
signed, and Robert Hett Chapman, a graduate of the 
class of 1789, succeeded him, but he remained only a few 
years, when Mr. Caldwell was recalled. In Georgia, the 
second Presidents of Franklin College and Oglethorpe 
University were both graduates of Princeton. In 18 10, 
Henry Kollock, a graduate of the class of 1794, was elect- 
ed President of the University of Georgia, but he declined 
the honour. In 1785, Martin Academy, the first literary 
institution ever established in the great valley of the 
Mississippi, was founded by Samuel Doak, a graduate of 
the class of 1775 ; afterwards it received a charter under 
the name of Washington College, and Mr. Doak became 
the first President. In 1793, the Territorial Legislature 
of Tennessee granted a charter to Greenville College, 
and Hezekiah Balch, a graduate of the class of 1776, who 
had conceived and matured the whole plan, was elected 
the first President. In 1785, the Legislature of North 
Carolina granted a charter to Davidson Acadeni)^, located 
in Davidson County (what is now Tennessee), Thomas B. 



PREFACE. XV 

Craighead, a graduate of the class of 1775, being the main 
agent in securing it. In course of time this Academy 
became the University of Nashville, and Mr. Craighead 
was elected the first President. In 1783, Transylvania 
Seminary (afterwards University) was established in Ken- 
tucky, through the influence of Caleb Wallace, a grad- 
uate of Princeton ; and David Rice, a graduate of the 
class of 1761, became the President of the Board of Trus- 
tees, and its virtual manager. And the last class of the 
century furnished two Presidents ; Jacob Lindly, the first 
President of Ohio University, and James Carnahan of our 
own venerable college. 

Have we not, then, in these facts, which I have drawn 
from my biographical notices, overwhelming evidence of 
the influence of Princeton, in originating and fostering 
the higher forms of education in the formative state of 
our country ? 

Read the sketches that follow, and the conviction will 
be irresistible, that the Country^ the Presbyterian Churchy 
and the cause of high Christian Culture, owe their present 
exalted position in the land to the noble men who went 
forth from Princeton during the last century. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PRINCETON COLLEGE 



DURING THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 



1748. 

Enos Ayres, the first on this illustrious catalogue, 
was probably a native of Elizabethtown, New Jersey. 
If not, he was certainly residing there before he entered 
college, as his correspondence with Dr. Bellamy shows. 
Mr. Ayres was ordained by the Presbytery of New York 
about 1750, and settled as the pastor of the Churches at 
Bethlehem and Blooming Grove, Orange County, New 
York. In a few years he relinquished the charge at 
Bethlehem, and continued the pastor of Blooming Grove, 
until his death, which occurred in 1765. 

Benjamin Chestnut came to this country from 
England. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
York in 1749, and was immediately transferred to the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, by whom he was or- 
dained, October 30, 175 1, and settled at Woodbury and 
Timber Creek, New Jersey. In May, 1753, he resigned 
his charge, but for a time continued to supply the con- 
gregations. After preaching at a number of places, he 
was finally, in 1756, settled as the pastor of Charleston 
and Providence Churches, Pennsylvania. In 1765, Mr. 
Chestnut visited the South on a missionary tour. At 
one time he taught a school about twenty miles from 



1748. 

Philadelphia. Mr. Chestnut was a laborious and faithful 
minister: besides his regular duties, he was untiring in 
fulfilling the appointments of the Presbytery, in mission- 
ary work, extending as far as Egg Harbour, New Jersey, 
and the adjacent country on the Atlantic Coast. He died 
in 1775. 

Hu^h Henry, having studied theology, was ordain- 
ed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1751, and settled 
as pastor of the Churches of Rehoboth, Wicomico and 
Monokin, in Maryland. President Davies spoke of him 
as promising great usefulness. He was a laborious and 
highly esteemed minister. Mr. Henry died in 1763. 

Israel Keid, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New 
York, was ordained by the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, March 7, 1750, and settled as pastor of the Presby- 
terian Church at Bound Brook, New Jersey. He was 
the first graduate of Princeton who became a member 
of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Reid, besides his charge at Bound Brook, took 
charge at an early day of the Church at New Brunswick. 
He died after a life of great usefulness, November 28, 

1793- 

Richard Stockton. No name stands higher among 
the Lawyers and Statesmen of America, than that of 
Richard Stockton. He was the son of John Stockton, 
and was born in Princeton, New Jersey, October i, 1730. 
After graduating, he studied law with David Ogden, 
of Newark, and soon became prominent in his profes- 
sion. 

In 1766 he visited Europe, where he was received with 
flattering marks of friendship and respect by many emi- 
nent noblemen, gentlemen, and men of letters. During 
this visit, his life was in imminent peril on two occasions : 
once he was attacked at night in the city of Edinburgh 
by a desperate robber, and after a severe contest, in 



1748. 

which he successfully defended himself with a small 
sword, now in possession of the family, he repelled the 
attack without receiving any material injury. 

The second escape was of a different character. He 
had engaged his passage in a packet for the purpose of 
crossing the Irish Channel, but his baggage being acci- 
dentally detained, did not arrive before the vessel had 
sailed. Although greatly disappointed, it proved the 
cause of his preservation, for the vessel in which he in- 
tended to embark was wrecked in a violent storm, and 
every soul on board perished. 

In 1774 Mr. Stockton was appointed Judge of the Su- 
preme Court of New Jersey, and in 1776 was offered the 
Chief Justiceship, which he declined. The same year he 
was elected to the Continental Congress, and was one 
of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. While 
a member of Congress, during a visit to the house of a 
friend in Monmouth County, New Jersey, he was cap- 
tured by a party of royalists and thrown into prison in 
New York city. His confinement and the barbarity of 
his treatment seriously and permanently affected his 
health. He obtained his release through the interference 
of Congress. 

Mr. Stockton had an unrivalled reputation at the bar ; 
and it is said that he always refused to engage in any 
cause which he knew to be unjust. From 1757 till his 
death he was a Trustee of the College ; and for many 
years a member and Trustee of the Presbyterian Church 
in Princeton. An estimate of the high tone of his Chris- 
tian character can be formed by reading the following 
extract from his last Will : '^ As my children will have fre- 
quent occasion of perusing this instrument, and may 
probably be peculiarly impressed with the last words 
of their father, I think proper here, not only to sub- 
scribe to the entire belief of the great leading doc- 
trines of the Christian religion, such as the being of a 
God, the universal defection and depravity of human na- 
ture, the divinity of the Person, and completeness of the 

[3] 



1748. 

redemption purchased by the blessed Saviour, the neces- 
sity of the divine Spirit, of divine faith accompanied with 
an habitual virtuous life, and the universality of divine 
Providence ; but also in the bowels of a father's affection 
to charge and exhort them to remember that ' the fear 
of God is the beginning of wisdom.' " 

Mr. Stockton was a man of great coolness and courage. 
His bodily powers, both in relation to strength and agil- 
ity, were of a very superior grade, and he w^as highly ac- 
complished in all the manly exercises peculiar to the 
period in which he lived ; his skill as a horseman and 
swordsman was peculiarly great. In person he was tall 
and commanding, approaching nearly to six feet in 
height. 

What a noble example to lead the van and stimulate 
the energies of all future graduates ! Mr. Stockton died 
in Princeton, February 28, 1 781. 

Daniel Thane came to this country from Scotland. 
He. was ordained by the Presbytery of New York, and 
settled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Connecti- 
cut Farms, New Jersey, August 29, 1750. In 1754, he was 
sent by the Synod on a three months' tour to Virginia 
and the Carolinas, where he did good service preaching 
under the forest trees. In 1757, he was dismissed from his 
charge in New Jersey, and removed to Delaware, where 
he became pastor of the Presbyterian Churches at New 
Castle and Christina Bridge. In 1763, he left his charge 
in an irregular manner. His name disappears from the 
roll of Synod after 1763. He is said to have died in 1764. 

[4] 



1749- 

John Brown was born in Ireland, in 1728. He was 
licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, and sent as a 
missionary to the Valley of Virginia. In 1753, he was 
called to the united Churches of Timber Ridge and 
New Providence, Virginia. This call he accepted. In 
addition to his pastoral work, he established a grammar 
school near his residence, which afterwards was merged 
in Liberty Hall, and finally grew into Washington Col- 
lege. It was in this congregation that the Alexander 
family resided. In 1796, Mr. Brown, weighed down un- 
der the infirmities of age, resigned his charge, and soon 
after followed his children to Kentucky. The following 
is the inscription on his tomb at Frankfort : *' The tomb 
of the Rev. John Brown, who, after graduating at Nas- 
sau Hall, devoted himself to the ministry, and settled at 
New Providence, Rockbridge County, Virginia. At that 
place he was stated pastor forty -four years. In the de- 
cline of life he removed to this county, to spend the feeble 
remainder of his days with his children. He died in the 
75th year of his age, A. D. 1803." The sons of Mr. Brown 
all became distinguished men. One was a United States 
Senator from Kentuck}^ ; another was a Senator from 
Louisiana and Minister to France, and the third became 
an eminent physician and Professor in Transylvania Uni- 
versity. 

"William Burnet was the son of Ichabod Burnet, 
a distinguished physician of Elizabethtown, New Jersey. 
After graduating, he studied medicine with Dr. Staats, 
of New York ; but the trouble with the mother-country 
coming on, he relinquished a lucrative practice, and en- 

[3] 



1749- 

tered actively into the political movements of the day. 
Dr. Burnet was Chairman of the '^ Committee of Public 
Safety" at Newark, which met daily. In 1775, he was 
superintendent of a military hospital, established on his 
own responsibility, in Newark. In the winter of 1776, 
he was elected a member of the Continental Congress ; 
but early in the session Congress divided the thirteen 
States into three military districts, and Dr. Burnet was 
appointed Physician and Surgeon-General of the Eastern 
District ; he accordingly resigned his seat in Congress, 
and entered upon his office, the arduous duties of which 
he continued to discharge till the close of the war, in 
1783. At one time Dr. Burnet was stationed at West 
Point, and on a certain occasion, he was dining with a 
party of gentlemen at the house of Gen. Arnold,* when 
the officer of the day entered, and reported that a spy 
had been taken below, who called himself John Ander- 
son. It was remarked by the persons who were at the 
table, that this intelligence, interesting to the general as 
it must have been, produced no visible change in his 
countenance or behavior — that he continued in his seat 
for some minutes, conversing as before — after which he 
arose, saying to his guests, that business required him to 
be absent for a short time, and desiring them to remain 
and enjoy themselves till his return. The next intelli- 
gence they had of him was, that he was in his barge, 
moving rapidly to a British ship of war, the Vulture, 
which was lying at anchor a short distance below the 
Point. 

At the close of the war Dr. Burnet returned to his 
family, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Soon 
after he was appointed presiding Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas by the Legislature of New Jersey, and 
was also elected President of the State Medical Societ}^ 
Being a fine classical scholar, on taking the chair, he read 
an elaborate essay in Latin, on the proper use of the lan- 
cet in pleuritic cases. Dr. Burnet died October 7, 1791. 

* This is on authority of his son, the Hon. Judge Jacob Burnet, of Ohio. 

[6] 



1749- 

John Hogg (or Hoge) was the son of William Hoge, 
'•an exile for Christ's sake" from Scotland. He was li- 
censed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, October 
10, 1753. In 1755, he was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New Castle, and became the first pastor of the Churches 
of Opecquon and Cedar Creek, Virginia. In 1760, we 
find him the pastor of Tuscarora, Opecquon and Back 
Creek Churches. About 1762, Mr. Hoge, on account of 
the remissness of his people in giving him a support, re- 
signed his charge, and removed to Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Kennedy. I can learn nothing of Mr. 
Kennedy. As accurate a historian as Richard Webster 
has confounded him with Samuel Kennedy, who was li- 
censed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and installed 
at Baskingridge, N. J., in 175 1. But this Samuel Kennedy 
was educated at Edinburgh, according to an extended 
memoir of him by Rev. Isaac V. Brown, appended to his 
Life of Robert Finley, and published in 1819. This must 
be a different man from our graduate, who was probably 
not a clergyman. 

John Moflfat, a Scotchman by birth, was ordained 
by the Presbytery of New York in 175 1, and installed as 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Wallkill, Orange 
Co., New York. In 1795, he joined the Associate Church. 
In 1773, he was residing in Delaware, but returned and 
engaged in teaching in Litttle Britain, Orange County, 
New York. De Witt Clinton was one of his pupils. He 
died April 22, 1788. 

John Todd is said to have been a weaver before he 
joined college. He was licensed to preach by the Pres- 
bytery of New Brunswick, November 13, 1750. Imme- 
diately after his licensure he went to Virginia, and be- 
came an assistant to the Rev. Samuel Davies in Provi- 
dence Church. After the removal of Mr. Davies to 
Princeton, Mr. Todd became the leading Presbyterian 

[7] 



1749- 

preacher in that region. During the Revolution, he was 
a staunch Whig. While pastor in Virginia he taught a 
classical school, and the Rev. James Waddel, who was at 
that time reading divinity with Mr. Davies, assisted him 
in teaching. Col. Gordon, of Lancaster County, on hear- 
ing him preach, said : " I never heard a sermon, but one 
I heard from Mr. Davies, that I heard with more attention 
and delight. Oh, if the Lord would be pleased to send 
us a minister of as much piety as Mr. Todd !" He died 
suddenly, July 27, 1793. 

Eleazer Whittlesey, when he came to college, 
brought a letter of introduction from Dr. Bellamy to 
President Burr, from which we judge that he was a na- 
tive of Connecticut. He was licensed by the Presbytery 
of New Castle in 1750, and labored faithfully in Hartford 
County, Maryland, and was the means of establishing a 
number of congregations. He was a man tenderly loved 
for his zeal and integrity. His health was infirm, and he 
was subject to seasons of melancholy. Mr. Whittlesey 
died December 21, 175 1. There is no record of his ordi- 
nation. 

[8] 



1 7 SO- 

Hugh Bay became a physician and practiced at 
Herberts Cross Roads, Hartford County, Maryland. He 
was a brother of Rev. Andrew Bay, one of the early 
Presbyterian ministers in this country, at one time set- 
tled in Albany. I know nothing further of Dr. Bay's 
histor}^ 

Alexander Clinton, the eldest son of Charles Clin- 
ton, the ancestor of the family of Clintons in New York, 
became a physician, and practiced in the city of New 
York. 

Daniel Farrand, a native of Connecticut, after 
spending two years at Yale, transferred his relation to 
Nassau Hall. In 1752 he was ordained and settled over 
a Congregational Church at South Canaan, Connecticut, 
where he continued in the faithful discharge of his duties 
till near the close of life. He died on the 28th of May, 
1803, in the eighty-first year of his age, and the fifty-first 
of his ministry. 

Mr. Farrand was of a medium stature, with a large 
head, and a heavy clumsily-formed body ; his features were 
uncommonly large, and his countenance altogether indi- 
cative, not of refinement, but of much mental strength 
and solidity. His scholarship, especially in classical 
learning, was very great. In religious matters he was 
always grave and dignified, and yet was not wanting in 
wit. On one occasion, at a meeting of ministers, a cer- 
tain Dr. W. had set up a vigorous defense of the ideal 
system of Bishop Berkeley. The next morning when they 
were about separating for their respective homes, the 
horse of Dr. W. was missing, under such circumstances 

[9] 



1750- 

as to induce the apprehension that he had been stolen ; 
and it was proposed by some one that he should adver- 
tise him ; upon which Mr. Farrand, with much apparent 
gravity, asked the Doctor whether he had a perfect idea 
of his horse, — such as would enable him to give a perfect 
idea of him. He replied that he had. " Well, then," said 
Parson Farrand, "■ why don't you fit your saddle and bri- 
dle on it and ride home. You surely can want no better 
mode of travelling." 

It was a perilous matter to attempt to extort a compli- 
ment from Mr. Farrand. He was travelling on horse- 
back in a part of the country where he was an entire 
stranger. Noticing a considerable gathering at a private 
house, he concluded that it was some religious meeting, 
and being willing to rest himself and his horse, he dis- 
mounted and went in, and remained till the close of the 
service. The man who officiated turned out to be a very 
illiterate, self-conceited preacher. He took for his text 
the account given by the Evangelist of the evil spirits 
entering into the herd of swine. Immediately on the 
close of the service, Mr. Farrand left the house and pro- 
ceeded on his journey ; but he had not gone far before 
the preacher, who had eyed him during the lecture, and 
happened to be going the same road, overtook him. He 
remarked to him directly that he had seen him at the 
lecture and presumed from his appearance that he was a 
clergyman. Mr. Farrand having replied that he was, the 
preacher very unceremoniously requested his opinion of 
the sermon. Mr. Farrand declined expressing his opin- 
ion, remarking at the same time that he was not in the 
habit of dealing in compliments. This increased the 
preacher's anxiety to hear his opinion, and he repeated his 
request with still greater energy. " Well," said Mr. Far- 
rand, ''if you insist on hearing my opinion, I must say I 
think you made worse work with the Scriptures than the 
devil did with the swine." 

Mr. Farrand was admitted to an ad eundem Master's 
degree at Yale in 1777. 

[lo] 



1750. 

Jacobus Freliiighuysen was the son of the Rev. 

Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen. He died at sea, on 
his return from Holland, in 1754, whither he had gone for 
ordination. At the time of his death he was pastor elect 
of the Reformed Dutch Church at Kinderhook, New 
York. 

[11] 



I75I. 

Samuel Clark studied theology, and was ordained 
and installed pastor of the Second Congregational Church 
at Farmington (now Kensington), Connecticut, in July, 
1756. Mr. Clark appeared well in the pulpit ; and the 
epitaph on his tombstone mentions among other estima- 
ble qualities of the man, that he was, " in the gift of 
preaching, excellent, laborious and pathetic." Mr. Clark 
continued in his charge until his death, November, 1775. 

He received the degree of Master of Arts from Yale, in 
1757. 

Alexander Grordon was a tutor in the college from 
the time of his graduation until 1754, in which year he died. 

Robert Henry was born in Scotland. After leaving 
college he studied theology, and was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of New York. In 1752, he was sent by the Synod 
to Virginia, at the request of the Rev. Samuel Davies. 
In 1753, he was ordained by the Presbytery of New Cas- 
tle, and on the 4th of June, 1755, was installed as pastor 
of Cub Creek, in Charlotte County, Virginia, and Bri- 
ary, in Prince Edward County, both then in Lunenburg 
County. After his installation, Mr. Davies and Mr. Todd 
preached five days in his congregation, and many were 
awakened. The success of Mr. Henry was most remark- 
able. He was a man of eccentric manners, but most de- 
votedly pious. He was not in the habit of reading his 
sermons or even of writing. Short notes of preparation 
were all he used, and not always those. It is said of 
him, that on a certain occasion, he thought he ought 
to prepare himself with greater care than usual, and 

[12] 



1751. 

having written a sermon, he commenced reading from 
a small manuscript. A gust of wind suddenly swept 
the paper from the Bible. He watched its progress as 
it sailed along to an old elder's seat. The old gentleman 
had been listening seriously, and as the paper fell at his 
side, he deliberately put his foot upon it. Mr. Henry 
waited for him to bring it back to him. The old gentle- 
man looked up as if nothing had happened ; and Mr. 
Henry finished his sermon in the best way he could. It 
was the end of his written preparation to preach. There 
is nothing left as the production of his pen. Dr. Archi- 
bald Alexander was the second successor of Mr. Henry 
in his charge. Mr. Henry was called to the Steel Creek 
Church in North Carolina, in 1766, but never entered 
upon the charge, dying May 8, 1767. 

Samiiel McClintock, after graduating, studied the- 
ology, and was ordained, and settled as pastor over the 
Congregational Church at Greenland, New Hampshire, 
in 1757. President Burr had offered him a tutorship in 
the college, which he declined. During the Revolution 
he was a strong Whig, and repeatedly acted as chaplain 
in the army, and his patriotic exhortations animated the 
soldiers in the conflict. Five of his sons were in the 
American army. 

In 1 79 1, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was 
conferred upon him by Yale. His ministry lasted forty- 
eight years, during which period the last Sunday of his 
life was the only one in which he was disabled for the 
performance of his usual public duties. He died in 
1804. 

Dr. McClintock was regarded among the churches in 
his neighborhood as pre-eminent for practical wisdom, 
and many cases of casuistry were referred to him as an 
umpire. 

The following is a list of his publications : 

A Sermon on the Justice of God in the Mortality of Man. 1759. 

[13] 



I75I- 

A Sermon entitled, " The Artifice of Deceivers detected, and Christians 
warned against them." 1770- 

Herodias, or Cruelty and Revenge. The Effects of Unlawful Pleasure. 
A Sermon. 1772. 

A Sermon at the Commencement of the New Constitution of New Hamp- 
shire. 1784. 

An Epistolary Correspondence with Rev. John C. Ogden. 1791. 

A Sermon entitled, " The Choice," occasioned by the drought, the fever, 
and the prospect of war. 1798. 

An Oration Commemorative of 'Washington. 1800. 

Henry Martin received his license to preach from 
the Presbytery of New York. In 1752, he supplied the 
pulpits of Maidenhead and Hopewell, in New Jersey, and 
on the 9th of April, 1753, he was ordained, and installed 
as pastor of the Presbyterian Churches in New^town and 
Salisbury, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He died about 

1763. 

Benjamin Youngs Prime was the son of the Rev. 

Ebenezer Prime, of Long Island. After graduating, he 
studied medicine and pursued the practice for several 
years. In 1756 he Avas appointed tutor in the College, 
which position he held for about a year. In 1762 he visi- 
ted Europe for the purpose of pursuing his medical stud- 
ies to more advantage ; he remained there for two or 
three years, and took his degree of Doctor of Medicine 
at the University of Ley den. Dr. Prime became a highly- 
accomplished scholar, eminent for his mathematical, phi- 
losophical and classical attainments. He was in the habit 
of writing with great facility both prose and poetry in 
the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French and Spanish lan- 
guages ; and in the opening of the Revolutionary strug- 
gle, his patriotic and popular songs spread like wild-fire 
over the land, and helped to kindle the sparks of liberty 
into a flame. 

After his return from Europe in 1764, he became a 
practitioner of medicine and surgery in the city of New 
York ; but after a few years, his father becoming infirm, 
he returned to Huntington, Long Island, and resumed 

I 14] 



I75I. 

his residence with his father, and occupied his time in 
the pursuit of elegant letters. Dr. Prime was the grand- 
father of the Drs. Prime of the New York Observer. He 
died October 31, 1791. 

In 1764 an 8vo pamphlet of 94 pages was published in London, under 
the following title : " The Patriot Muse, or Poems on some of the Principal 
Events of the Late War ; together with a Poem on the Peace. Vincit amor 
patriae. By an American gentleman." The author was Dr. Prime. In 
lyqi he published "Columbia's Glory, or British Pride Humbled ; a Poem 
on the American Revolution ; some part of it being a Parod}' on an Ode 
entitled, Britain's Glory, or Gallic Pride Humbled, composed on the cap- 
ture of Quebec, 1759." 

Robert Ross became a Congregational minister, and 
in November, 1753, was ordained and installed pastor of 
the First Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Ross 
is said to have been a man of great dignity, and had a 
commanding influence over his people. He wore the 
ancient dress of cock-hat, wig and small clothes. He 
remained in this charge until his death, in August, 
1799. 

Nathaniel Scudder belonged to an old family in 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. After leaving college, 
he studied medicine and practiced in his native county 
until the opening of the Revolution, when he entered 
actively into public life. He was Colonel of the Battal- 
ion of the Monmouth Militia ; and from 1777 to 1779 rep- 
resented New Jersey in the Continental Congress. He 
was also a member of the Committee of Safetv. Colonel 
Scudder was an earnest Christian, and was an Elder in 
Mr. Tennent's Church at Freehold. For many years he 
was a Trustee of the College. 

Colonel Scudder was the grandfather of the distin- 
guished missionar}', Rev. John Scudder, M. D. He was 
killed in a skirmish against the '' Refugees" at Black 
Point, Monmouth County, New Jersey, in 178 1. At the 
time of his death Dr. Scudder was a Trustee of the Col- 
lege. 



I75I- 

David Thurston became the pastor of the Second 
Congregational Church in Medway, Massachusetts, on the 
23d of June, 1752. In consequence of ill health and diffi- 
culties in the congregation, on the 22d of February, 1769, 
he resigned ; and in the spring of 1772, he removed to 
Oxford, Massachusetts, where he purchased and culti- 
vated a farm. 

[i6] 



1752. 

George Duffield, a native of Pennsylvania, acted as 
tutor in the College from 1754 to 1756. He was licensed 
to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle, March 11, 1756, 
and in 1759 he was settled over a Presbyterian Church in 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 1766, by order of the Synod, 
in company with Rev. Charles Beatty, he made a mis- 
sionary tour through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vir- 
ginia. Soon after his return he was called to the Third 
Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. 

Dr. Duffield was a strong Whig, and was at one time, 
in connection with Bishop White, Chaplain of the Conti- 
nental Congress. During the dark and almost hopeless 
period of the Revolution, he acted as chaplain in the re- 
treat of the army through New Jersey, and was at the 
battle of Princeton. 

He remained pastor of the Third Church in Philadel- 
phia until the day of his death, February 2, 1790. The 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred 
upon him by Yale in 1785. 

Dr. Duffield was an eminently devoted Christian and 
a most faithful minister. He took an active part in the 
organization of the Presbyterian Church after the Revo- 
lution, and was the first Stated Clerk of the General 
Assembly. He was for thirty years a Trustee of the 
College. 

Dr. Duffield published an account of his tour with Dr. Beatty, and a 
Thanksgiving Sermon on the Restoration of Peace, 1783. 

Jeremiah Halsey held the office of tutor in the col- 
lege from 1757 to 1767, longer than any other individual. 

[17] 



1752. 

In 1766, the Trustees voted a sum of money to him, ''in 
consideration of his extraordinary and faithful services." 
On the retirement of Mr. Halsey from the tutorship, the 
Trustees gave him a certificate with the corporation 
seal attached, certifying his faithful services, and recom- 
mending him as *' a gentleman of genius, learning and 
real merit." Dr. Green testifies that Mr. Halsey was one 
of the best scholars that was ever educated in the insti- 
tution. In 1767, he was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick, and sent on a missionary tour to the 
South ; afterwards was settled as a pastor, but the place 
of his location I have not been able to discover. He was 
for eleven years a Trustee of the College. Mr. Halsey 
died in 1780. 

Samuel Livermore, descended from one of the an- 
cient New England families, was born at Waltham, Mas- 
sachusetts, near Boston, in May, 1732. There is a diary 
of Mr. Livermore, published in Putnains Magazine, for 
June, 1857, written on the eve of his journey to college. 
It is interesting to know what was the outfit of a New 
England boy going to a distant college, and here we have 
it. He sailed from Boston in the sloop Lydia, September 
10, 1 75 1. For this voyage he laid in, according to his 
diarv, 



5 quarts of West Ind. rum 


, 




£1 1"]$. td. 


i lb. of tea a 48J. . 






12 


Canister . . . . , 






6 


I doz. fowls 






2 10 


2 pounds loaf sugar a%s. 






16 


I doz. and 8 lemons 






190 


3 pounds butter 






12 


Box .... 






5 



His stock of clothes might well suit a collegian of the 
present day ; it consisted of two close coats, one great 
coat, two jackets, thirteen shirts, seven pairs of stockings, 
six caps, four cravats, three handkerchiefs, one pair of 
breeches. 

[18] 



1752- 

His library was not as complete as his wardrobe ; his 
books were, Bible, Latin and Greek Testaments, and 
Grammar, Latin Dictionary and Lexicon, Ward's Intro- 
duction to Mathematics, Gordon's Geography, Virgil and 
Tully. Mr. Livermore carried letters of introduction to 
Governor Belcher and President Burr, giving him the 
highest character for sobriety and studiousness. 

All such facts are valuable when we consider the emi- 
nence to which this young man afterwards attained. 

On returning to New England, after due preparation, 
he entered upon the practice of the law. Before the 
Revolution, he was Judge Advocate of the Admiralt)' 
Court. He was a member of the Continental Congress 
from 1780 to 1783, and from 1786 to 1787; and from 1782 
to 1790 he was Judge of the Superior Court; and from 
1793 to 1 801 he was a member of the United States 
Senate from New Hampshire, after which he was Chief 
Justice of New Hampshire. Judge Livermore was one 
of the first trustees of Dartmouth College. He died in 
May, 1803. 

Cornelius Low was probably a son of Cornelius 
Low, of Newark, New Jersey. The Low famil}^ did not 
sympathize with the country in the Revolutionary War, 
and now are almost forgotten, though prominent formerly. 
What became of Mr. Low I have no means of discovering. 

Nathaniel Whitaker prepared for the ministry 
and was ordained and settled over a Presbyterian Church 
in the State of New York about 1753. In 1759 he be- 
came pastor of a Church near Norwich, Connecticut. In 
1766 he was sent to Great Britain with the Rev. Samson 
Occom, a Mohegan Indian, to solicit funds for a school 
for the Indians at Lebanon, Connecticut. Lady Hunting- 
don, Romaine and Venn warmly advocated his cause. 
While abroad he received the honorary degree of Doctor 
of Divinity from the University of St. Andrews. After 
eighteen months' absence he returned, having been per- 

[19] 



1752- 

fectly successful in his mission. And thus he preparea 
the way for the founding of Dartmouth College, which 
grew out of this school. 

' While in England he published several sermons on 
" Reconciliation to God." 

In July, 1769, he was. installed pastor of the Second 
Congregational Church of Salem, Massachusetts, but in 
1773 he withdrew and formed a Presb3^terian Church. 
At the opening of the war Mr. Whitaker espoused v/arm- 
ly the cause of Independence, and engaged largely in 
the manufacture of saltpetre for the army. On the occa- 
sion of the Boston Massacre in 1 771, he preached a ser- 
mon on the '' Fatal Tragedy in King Street;" and on the 
proclamation of Independence, another entitled " An An- 
tidote to Toryism." After the peace he reprinted the 
latter with another, ^' On the Reward of Toryism." 

Being too strong a Presbyterian for his neighbors, he 
was compelled to leave Massachusetts, and removed to 
Virginia, where he died in poverty near Hampton, Janu- 
ary 26, 1795, aged 65. 

John Wright. Jonathan Edwards writes to Rev. 
John Erskine, of Scotland, under date of July 7, 1752, 
" Mr. John Wright, a member of New Jersey College, 
who is to take his degree of Bachelor of Arts the next 
September, is now at my house. He was born in Scot- 
land ; has lived in Virginia, and is a friend and acquaint- 
ance of Mr. Davies ; and has a great interest in the es- 
teem of the religious people of Virginia, and is peculiarly 
esteemed by President Burr; has been admitted to spe- 
cial intimacy with him ; and is a person of very good 
character for his understanding, prudence and piety." 

Mr. Wright was licensed the year after his graduation, 
and ordained by the Presbytery of New Castle. In 1755 
he was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 
Cumberland, Virginia. His work was specially among 
the negroes, many of whom were converted under his 
ministry. 

r ^o ] 



It is melancholy to record that a man of such promise 
should fall. In the weakness of body, and the melancholy 
of which he complains in one of his letters, he sought 
relief in stimulants. His morning of expectation went 
down in clouds. 

[21] 



1753- 

Daniel Isaac Brown was probably the son of Rev. 
Isaac Brown, the loyalist, who left Trinity Church in 
Newark, New Jersey, during or at the commencement 
of the Revolution, because he " could not pray for the 
king in peace and quietness and undisturbed." 

The son became a physician, and in 1758 was admitted 
to a Master's degree at King's College, New York. Both 
father and son left New York for Nova Scotia, with many 
others, about 1783. 

Israel Canfield was probably the son of Israel Can- 
field of Morris County, New Jersey, who was a friend 
and companion of good men, as in his will he gives ;£"io 
to the Presbyterian ministry or fund. The son died the 
year after his graduation, August 2, 1754, aged 26 

John Harris came from Wales, while a child, with 
his father's family, who settled in Maryland. In 1754 he 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle ; and in 
1756 he was ordained and installed as pastor of Indian 
River Church, in Delaware. This charge he resigned in 
1759, ^^d removed to the South ; and in 1772 we find him 
pastor of Long Cane and two other Churches in South 
Carolina, where he remained until 1779, when forced by 
declining health, he resigned his charge. 

Mr. Harris was acknowledged by all to have been a 
pious, judicious and exemplary minister of the Gospel. 
Bold, enthusiastic and independent, he was peculiarly 
fitted for the stirring times in which he lived. It was his 
boast that every man in his congregation was a Whig. 
Such a man was especially obnoxious to the Tories, and 

[22! 



1753- 

he had many narrow escapes. It is asserted that he often 
preached with his gun in the pulpit and his ammuni- 
tion suspended from his neck, after the fashion of the 
times. 

An anecdote is told of him evincing his determination 
and his insight into character. Colonel A — , a worthy 
man, but of a pliant temper, lived far down on the Savan- 
nah river, in a region much subject to Tory aggressions. 
He was a personal friend of Mr. Harris, and a member 
of one of his congregations, but having held a commis- 
sion under the royal government, it was feared he would 
compromise his principles for British protection. The 
suspicion no sooner entered the mind of his friend Harris, 
than he mounted his horse, and taking his saddle-bags 
for a long visit, determined not to leave him till he took 
a decided stand on the right side. He stayed with him 
several days, and on his return, reported that "all is 
right." Mr. Harris was at one time a member of the 
Provincial Congress of South Carolina. He died about 
1790. 

Kobert Harris, after graduating, became a physi- 
cian in Philadelphia. He was elected a Trustee of the 
College in 1761, at the same meeting at which Dr. Finley 
was chosen President, and continued in that office until 
his death in 181 5 ; having been a trustee for fifty-four 
years. For a large part of the time, Dr. Harris was the 
oldest trustee in the " Board." He was present at the 
meeting in August, 1768, when Dr. Witherspoon took 
the oath of office as President of the College ; and at the 
meeting in May, 1795, at which Dr. Smith was chosen 
President, Dr. Harris was present, and presided at the 
opening of the session of the Board. 

John Houston became a Congregational minister, 
and settled at Bedford, New Hampshire, September 28, 
1757, and was dismissed from his charge in 1778. He 
died February 4, 1798. 

[23] 



1753- 

Hugh McAden was born of an humble but pious 
parentage, in Pennsylvania. After graduating, he stud- 
ied theology with the Rev. John Blair, and was licensed 
by New Castle Presbytery in 1755. He was immediately 
sent on a missionary tour through the South. On his 
journey through Pennsylvania and Virginia, he witnessed 
the greatest distress caused by a severe drought, and the 
alarm created by Braddock's defeat. On reaching Caro- 
lina he entered upon his missionary work with zeal and 
ardour. Returning to the North, he was ordained by the 
New Castle Presbytery, in 1757, and became pastor, soon 
after, of the congregations in Duplin and New Hanover, 
North Carolina. Here he remained about ten years, when, 
believing that the influence of the climate upon his health 
was too unfavorable to justify his remaining longer in 
the lower part of the State, he removed to Caswell Coun- 
ty, and there finished his days. He died January 20, 
1781. Mr. McAden left a manuscript journal extending 
through a number of years. This journal shows with 
what untiring zeal these early missionaries prosecuted 
their work. The journal has \)een preserved in " Foote's 
Sketches of North Carolina." Mr. McAden was syste- 
matic in study, in visiting and in labour, and faithfully ful- 
filled his ministry. He was truly one of the chief found- 
ers of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States. 

John McKesson sprang from an old Scotch family, 
who moved to Antrim, in Ireland, in 1665. John was 
the son of Alexander McKesson, and was born at Fagg's 
Manor, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1734. After graduat- 
ing, he took up his residence in the city of New York. 
Throughout the Revolution Mr. McKesson was Clerk of 
the Provincial Congress of New York. He died of yel- 
low fever, in a house which stood on the spot where the 
Herald office now stands, September 7, 1798. Mr. Mc- 
Kesson was a bachelor, and left a large fortune for the 
times. He was admitted to a Master's degree at King 
College, New York, in 1758. 



1753- 

Nathaniel Potter became a minister, and was set- 
tled as pastor of the Congregational Church at Brook- 
Ijne, Massachusetts, in 1755. He left this charge in 1759, 
and died in 1768. Harvard admitted him to the degree 
of Master of Arts in 1758. 

Mr. Potter published a Discourse in 1758, entitled, " New Year's Gift." 

Nathaniel Sherman, a brother of the celebrated 
Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, was ordained and set- 
tled as pastor of the Congregational Church at Bed- 
ford, Massachusetts, February 18, 1756. This charge he 
resigned December 17, 1767. In May, 1769, he was in- 
stalled as pastor of the Church at Mount Carmel, Con- 
necticut ; where, having preached until August, 1772, he 
retired to East Windsor, Connecticut, and there died 
July 18, 1797. 

Joseph Shippen. There is an interesting letter of 
Mr. Shippen extant, written while he was a junior in col- 
lege, in which he informs his father of President Burr's 
marriage. He writes : " In the latter end of May, he 
[Mr. Burr] took a journey into New England, and dur- 
ing his absence, he made a visit of but three days to the 
Rev. Mr. Edwards' daughter, at Stockbridge ; in which 
short time, though he had no acquaintance with, nor in- 
deed ever seen the lady these six years, I suppose he ac- 
complished his whole design ; for it was not above a 
fortnight after his return here, before he sent a young 
fellow, who came out of college last fall, into New Eng- 
land, to conduct her and her mother down here. ... I 
think her a person of great beauty, though, I must say, 
that in my opinion, she is rather too young (being only 
twenty-one years of age) for the President. This account 
you '11 doubtless communicate to mammy, as I know she 
has Mr. Burr's happiness much at heart." j^^^, >6W^<U.Ot 

Mr. Shippen was the son of WiMiam Shippen, M,IX,- 
of Philadelphia. Immediately after graduating, he en- 
tered the Provincial Army, in which he soon rose to the 

[ ^.5 ] 



1753- 

rank of Colonel, and served in General Joseph Forbes' 
expedition in 1758, which resulted in the capture of Fort 
Du Quesne. After the troops were disbanded, he went to 
Europe, partly on a mercantile adventure, but especially 
for the advantage of foreign travel. He returned to 
Philadelphia in December, 1761, and was shortly after 
appointed Secretary to the Province. About 1773, he 
removed to the country, in the neighborhood of Phila- 
delphia. In 1789, he was appointed Judge of Lancaster 
County. Colonel Shippen was esteemed by all who knew 
him, as an eminently just and upright man. To his ser- 
vice as a soldier, he added the accomplishments of a 
scholar and a man of taste, and was not destitute of some 
talent in versification. The only reason why he did not 
enter the revolutionary army was feeble health. He died 
February 10, 1811. 

Benjamin Woodruff was the son of Samuel Wood- 
ruff, an eminent merchant of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, 
and for nearly twenty years a Trustee of the College. 
After graduating, he pursued the study of theology, 
probably with his pastor, Ehhu Spencer. In due time 
he was licensed to preach, and on March 14, 1759, was 
ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, 
New Jersey. During the forty-four years of his ministry 
at Westfield, he greatly endeared himself to his people, 
by his preaching and pastoral intercourse. 

Mr. Woodruff is described as small in person, dignified 
and precise in his manners, social in his habits, scrupu- 
lously exact and fastidious in his dress, with small-clothes, 
silk hose, buckles, cock-hat and ruffles, everywhere the 
same and always commanding profound respect. 

He died quite suddenly April 3, 1803. 

Joseph Woodruff, a brother of the preceding, after 
graduating, returned to Elizabethtown and entered into 
business with his father, who was largely engaged in the 
West India trade. 

[26] 



1754- 

Moses Barrett. From the time of his graduation 
until 1757, Mr. Barrett was the first preceptor of Moor's 
Indian Charity School, at Lebanon, Connecticut. This 
school was afterwards removed to New Hampshire, and 
became the nucleus of Dartmouth College, although the 
school itself was never merged in the college. What be- 
came of Mr, Barrett after leaving this school, I have not 
been able to discover. 

Benjamin Chapman was ordained on the 17th of 
March, 1756, and settled over the Congregational Church 
at Southington, Connecticut. He was dismissed from his 
charge, September 28, 1774, but continued to reside in 
Southington until his death, which occurred June 22, 
1786. Mr. Chapman was admitted to a Master's degree 
at Yale in 176 1. 

John Ewing. The parents of Mr. Ewing were early 
emigrants from Ireland, and settled in Maryland. After 
graduating, he remained three years as tutor in the col- 
lege. At the age of twenty-six he was employed as in- 
structor of the Philosophical classes in the University of 
Pennsylvania, during the absence of Dr. Smith, the Pro- 
vost, in Europe. In 1758 Mr. Ewing became pastor of 
the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. In 1773 
he visited Europe, but at the opening of the Revolution, 
in 1775, he returned to this country, notwithstanding the 
most tempting offers which were made to induce him to 
remain in England. During this visit he received the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Edinburgh. 
While abroad he visited Dr. Samuel Johnson, nobly de- 

[ ^7 1 



.1754- 

fending the cause of his country, which was violently 
assailed. After liberally applying the terms '' rebels" and 
*' scoundrels" to the people of America, Johnson turned 
rudely to Dr. Ewing, demanding, *' What do you know 
in America? You never read ; you have no books there." 
** Pardon me, sir," said Dr. Ewing, " we have read the 
Rambler r The graceful blending of retort and compli- 
ment pacified the savage essayist, and till midnight he 
sat with Dr. Ewing in amiable and genial conversa- 
tion. 

In 1779 Dr. Ewing was appointed Provost of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania. He was one of the most re- 
markable scholars of his day. In classical learning and 
natural science, he stood without a rival. His Hebrew 
Bible was constantly at his side, and was used from 
choice for devotional purposes. At an hour's notice, he 
was ready and fully competent to supply the place of any 
professor who might chance to be absent. In the pulpit, 
he was eminently popular among the more cultivated. 
He died September 8, 1802. 

Dr. Ewing published, Part of a Sermon on the Death of Dr. Alison. A 
Sermon on the Death of George Bryan, 1791. The Design of Christ Com- 
ing into the World, in the "American Preacher," Vol. II And several 
communications in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Soci- 
ety. His Lectures on Natural Philosophy were published in 1809. 

Benjamin Hoit, (or Hait,) while a student, paid a 
visit, in company of President Davies, to New York. Mr. 
Davies writes of him : " A promising young man ; I had 
an agreeable conversation with him on original sin, and 
the influence of the flesh upon the spirit to incline it to 
sin." Mr. Hait (which is his true name) was licensed by 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, October 25, 1754, and 
sent to the Forks of Delaware. He was ordained De- 
cember 4, 1755, and installed pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Am well, New Jersey. While settled here, by 
order of Synod, he visited and supplied the southern va- 
cancies. He gave up his charge in Am well in 1765. In 

[ 28 1 



1754- 

1766 he was settled at Connecticut Farms, New Jersey, 
and died there June 27, 1779. 

Ezra Horton became a Congregational minister, and 
settled at Union, Connecticut, in June, 1759, where he re- 
mained until June, 1783. Mr. Horton was admitted to 
an ad eundem Master's degree, at Yale, in 1772. He 
died in 1789. 

Hugh Knox came to this country from Ireland, in 
1 75 1. Dr. Rodgers, of New York, then of Delaware, be- 
coming interested in him, established a school, of which 
Mr. Knox became the head. While thus engaged, an 
event happened which moulded the whole of his life. 
He had become associated with a number of 3^oung men 
who were accustomed to meet on Saturday afternoons 
for a frolic. On one of these occasions, some one of the 
company cried out to Knox: "Come parson" (a title 
which they gave him on account of his being the gravest 
of their number, and withal a great admirer of Dr. Rod- 
gers' preaching), " come parson, give us a sermon !" At 
first he declined, but being pressed, gave an exact imita- 
tion of Dr. Rodgers, and almost verbatim, the sermon 
that he had preached on the previous Sabbath. As he 
proceeded, his auditors, who began to listen in merri- 
ment, became deeply serious, and the speaker himself 
was overwhelmed with a sense of his sin. The next 
morning, overcome with remorse, he fled from the place. 
Soon after, he went to Newark, and applied to President 
Burr for admission to college. He related his whole pre- 
vious course, and his repentance, and was admitted. His 
course in college was all that could be desired. After 
his graduation, he studied theology with President Burr, 
and was ordained by the Presbytery of New York, in 
1755, and was sent to the Reformed Dutch Church in 
the Island of Saba, of which he became pastor. At his 
ordination, he preached a sermon on " The Dignity and 
Importance of the Gospel Ministry," which was publish- 

[^9] 



1754- 

ed by the unanimous request of the Presbytery. In 1772, 
be resigned his church at Saba, and settled at St. Croix, 
where he spent the remainder of his days. 

The celebrated Alexander Hamilton was placed in 
early boyhood under the instruction of Mr. Knox, and 
formed a strong attachment for him ; while Mr. Knox in 
return, watched and assisted with the utmost fidelity, the 
development of the wonderful powers of his pupil. They 
kept up an active correspondence in after life ; and two 
of Mr. Knox's letters are preserved in the first volume 
of Hamilton's works. Both were written during the 
Revolution, and breathe a spirit of earnest devotion to 
the American cause. Mr. Knox was admitted to a Mas- 
ter's degree at Yale, 1768, and the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity was conferred upon him by the University of 
Glasgow. 

Dr. Knox published (according to Dr. Miller) five or six volumes, chiefly 
sermons. Two volumes of his sermons, printed in Glasgow, in 1772, are 
in the Library of the College, at Princeton. 

David Matthews, one of the few disloyal graduates 
of Princeton, was a native of Orange County, New 
York. After leaving college, he studied law, and entered 
upon the practice in New York City, where, for twenty 
years, he acted as Crown Officer. In 1775, he succeeded 
Mr. Hicks as Mayor of the city, but being a decided 
royalist, his name was entered on the list of the suspected 
as early as May, 1776. In 1779, he was arrested by order 
of the Committee of Safety, and lodged in jail, whence 
he was soon removed to Connecticut. The charge against 
him was that he was cognizant of, or concerned in, Gov- 
ernor Tryon's plot to assassinate General Washington 
and blow up the fort, but the evidence against him was 
far from being conclusive. By the Act of 1779, ^^ was 
attainted, and his property confiscated. After the war, 
Mr. Matthews removed to the Island of Cape Breton, 
where he was appointed Commander-in-Chief and Presi- 
dent of the Council, and Attorney-General. He died in 

[30] 



1754- 

July, 1800 ; it is said of a broken heart, on account of the 
treatment received in this country. Mr. Matthews is 
represented to have been a cheerful and instructive com- 
panion, a sincere and faithful friend. He was charitable 
and hospitable to a fault. His judgment was clear and 
accurate in the administration of the laws and constitu- 
tion of the British Colonies. 

Joiiatliaii Odell, a grandson of President Dickin- 
son, was from Connecticut Farms, New Jersey. After 
graduating, he entered .the ministry, but I can discover 
no facts as to his place of settlement, or of his after life. 

Sylvaniis Osborne studied theology, and was or- 
dained, and settled as the first pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church at East Greenwich, Connecticut, June 29, 
1757. Mr. Osborne continued in this charge until his 
death, in 1771. He was admitted to an ad eundem Master's 
degree at Yale, in 1757. 

Mr. Osborne was a successful pastor, and during his 
ministry there w^as continued harmony, and a constant 
attention to the things of another world, which resulted 
in members being added to the church every year. 

David Pvirviance was probably the son of Samuel 
Purviance, who was at this very time a leading merchant 
in Philadelphia, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, 
and a warm and active friend of the college. Of the son 
I can learn nothing. 

William Kainsay was a brother of the Historian, 
Davdd Ramsay, of South Carolina, a graduate of the class 
of 1765. He was licensed by the Association of Fairfield 
East, Connecticut, November 25, 1755, and was received 
into the Abingdon Presbytery and ordained, and settled 
as pastor of the Fairfield Church, May 11, 1756. He died 
November 5, 1771. His character may be learned from 
the inscription on his tomb : 

[31I 



1754- 

" Beneath this stone lie interred the remains of the 
Rev. William Ramsay, M. A., for sixteen years a faithful 
pastor in this place, whose superior genius and native 
eloquence shone so conspicuously in the pulpit as to 
command the attention and gain the esteem of all his 
hearers. In every situation of life he discharged his duty 
faithfully. He lived greatly respected and died univer- 
sally lamented." 

Benajali Koot (the name is commonly spelled Roots) 
was ordained and installed pastor of a Congregational 
Church at Simsbury, Connecticut, August lo, 1757. In 
1773 he became pastor of a Church at Rutland, Vermont. 
Here he remained until his death in 1787. Mr. Root was 
a faithful preacher of the Gospel, ardently attached to the 
doctrines of religion as they are expressed in the West- 
minster Catechism, and much interested in revivals. He 
was admitted to a Master's degree at Dartmouth in 1784. 

Mr. Roots published a Sermon preached at the Organization of his 
Church in 1773. 

Josiali Sherman was a brother of Nathaniel Sher- 
man of the class of 1753. In 1755 he was licensed by the 
Litchfield South Association of Connecticut, and in 1756 
was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at 
Woburn, Massachusetts. Mr. Sherman remained here 
until April 11, 1775, when he removed to Connecticut, 
and in August of the same year was installed pastor of 
the Plymouth Church, Milford, Connecticut. In June, 
1 78 1, he resigned this charge, and in June, 1783, was set- 
tled at Goshen, Connecticut. In February, 1789 he re- 
signed, having been called to a Church in Woodbridge, 
Connecticut, but died a few months after his arrival 
there, November 24, 1789. 

Mr. Sherman wore a large white wig, and was very 
imposing and winning in his appearance. He had popu- 
lar talents, and on his settlement at Goshen was at first 
very acceptable. But alienation arose in consequence 

[30 



1754- 

of his avowing, in his preaching, Arminian sentiments, 
and he was compelled to resign. 

Mr. Sherman received a Master's degree from Har- 
vard in 1758, and from Yale and Dartmouth in 1765. 

He published A Discourse Addressed to Infidels. A Discourse, Re- 
demption by Christ. The History of Melchisedec. 

William Shippen, a brother of Joseph Shippen, of 
the class of 1753, after his graduation, entered upon the 
study of medicine with his father in Philadelphia, and 
completed his course in Edinburgh. In 1764 he com- 
menced a course on Anatom}^ in his native city, which 
was the first ever pronounced in the world on that sub- 
ject. He was one of the founders of the Medical College 
connected with the University of Pennsylvania, and was 
elected the first professor in 1765. 

In the Revolutionary war he proved himself to be an 
ardent patriot, and represented his State in the Continen- 
tal Congress. Dr. Shippen was for more than thirty 
years a Trustee of the College. He died in 1808. 

Thomas Smith. I have not been able to discover 
with absolute certainty, but I think there is little doubt 
that Mr. Smith was a brother of William Smith the 
Chief Justice of the Province of New York, and of 
Charles Smith of the Class of 1757. After graduating he 
was admitted to the New York Bar, and became emi- 
nent in his profession. During the Revolution he re- 
moved to Haverstraw, New York, and in 1781, while 
residing there, Aaron Burr became a student of law in 
his office. Mr. Smith died in Haverstraw after 1800. 

Noah Wadhams, a native of Goshen, Connecticut, 
received ordination and was settled over the Congrega- 
tional Church at New Preston, Litchfield County, Con- 
necticut, in 1757, where he remained until 1768. He was 
admitted to a Master's degree at Yale in 1764. He died 
in 1806. 

3 [ 33 ] 



1755- 

Jonathan BaldT^^in, after graduating, removed 
from New Jersey, his native State, to New York city, 
and became Steward of King's College, just organized. 
Afterwards he occupied the same position at Princeton. 
How long he held this post, I have not discovered. Mr. 
Baldwin, after leaving Princeton, retired to Newark, 
New Jersey, where he died in 1816. 

Benoni Bradner was a son of the Rev. John Brad- 
ner, of Goshen, New York. After his licensure, he preach- 
ed at Jamaica, Long Island, from 1760 to 1762. After- 
wards he was settled at Nine Partners, in Dutchess Coun- 
ty, New York, and in June, 1786, became the minister of 
the Independent Church in Blooming Grove, Orange 
County. Consumptive, and troubled with shortness of 
breath, he lived to the age of seventy-one, and died Jan- 
uary 29, 1804. He was a Trustee of the Morris County 
Society for Promoting Religion and Learning from its 
formation. Yale admitted him to the degree of Master 
of Arts in 1758. 

Thaddens Burr was a son of Henry Burr, who died 
in New Jersey, in 1742. It is uncertain whether this 
Henry Burr was a cousin or a brother of President Burr. 
Henry Burr is said to have been the brother of President 
Burr, in the Massachusetts Historical Collection, vol. vii., 
p. 187. If this is true, then Thaddeus was a nephew of 
President Burr. But others, with apparent good reason, 
think that Henry was a cousin of President Burr, and 
that would make Thaddeus his second cousin. 

Thaddeus Burr became a lawyer in Fairfield, Connec- 

[34] 



^755- 

ticut, and rose to eminence and wealth. John Hancock, 
President of the Continental Congress, was married in 
his house, to Miss Dorothy Quincy, of Boston, in 1775. 
During" the Revolution Mr. Burr w^as the High-Sheriff 
of the county. In 1779, his splendid mansion was burned 
by the forces under General Tryon. Mrs. Burr made a 
personal application to Governor Tryon, but he refused 
to protect her or the house. The house of Mr. Burr was 
the mansion of his ancestors : it was a house where ele- 
gant hospitality reigned, and where refined enjoyments 
were daily felt and distributed to the friend and the strang- 
er. Mr. Burr was admitted to a Master's degree at Yale, 
in 1758. 

Wheeler Case was licensed to preach by Suffolk 
Presbytery, and settled as first pastor of Pleasant Valley 
Church, Dutchess County, New York, in November, 1765. 
Poughkeepsie for some years formed a part of his charge, 
but during the war it became so enfeebled as to be virtu- 
ally extinct. Mr. Case continued in the pastorate of 
Pleasant Valley for more than twenty years. In 1778, an 
anonymous pamphlet was published at New Haven, en- 
titled, " Poems occasioned by several circumstances and 
reminiscences in the present grand contest of America for 
Liberty." The author was Wheeler Case. He states in 
the preface, that some of the pieces were written merely 
for amusement, and with the design to promote the cause 
of Liberty, into whose treasury he casts his mite in pub- 
lishing them. These Poems were re-published by M. W. 
Dodd, of New York, in 1852. 

Mr. Case probably died April 8, 1793. 

Benjamin Conklin became a Congregational minis- 
ter, and was settled November 23, 1763, over a church in 
Leiceste/, Massachusetts. He resigned his charge June 
30, 1794, and died January 30, 1798. Mr. Conkhn was a 
laborious minister. He was pleasing and interesting, 
without being brilliant ; useful and instructive, without 

[35] 



1755- 

being great. He performed the duties of his station 
honorably and acceptably, and among the patriots of 
the Revolution, he deserved a very high place. In one 
of the towns bordering upon his parish, it was thought 
by some of the people that their clergyman did not preach 
strongly enough in favor of the cause of liberty ; '' then," 
said he, " I will exchange with Mr. Conklin, and he will 
satisfy you, I am sure." 

John Hanna received his license to preach from the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, about 1760. In April, 
1 761, he was ordained by the same Presbytery, and set- 
tled as pastor of Alexandria, Kingwood and Bethlehem 
Churches, New Jersey, where he remained until his death, 
in 1 801. Mr. Hanna was also a physician, and practised 
quite extensively, but it never interfered with his duties 
as a pastor or as a member of the various church courts. 
Dr. Hanna was a warm-hearted patriot, and ever true to 
the American cause. 

G-arret Leydecker, spelled also Lydekker, was li- 
censed by Conferentie in 1765. In 1767, he preached as 
a supply ; and from 1770 to 1776, he was pastor of the 
Reformed Dutch Church at English Neighborhood, New 
Jersey. At the opening of the Revolution he took the 
side of the British, and fled to New York, and finally to 
England, where he died in 1 794. 

Joseph Montgomery received his license from the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia about 1759, and was ordained 
by the Presbytery of Lewes about 1761, and settled as 
pastor of the Presbyterian Churches of New Castle and 
Christiana Bridge, Delaware. The Presbytery of New 
Castle reported to the Synod in 1785, ''that in conse- 
quence of Mr. Joseph Montgomery's having informed 
them that, through bodily indisposition, he was incapable 
of officiating in the ministry, and having also accepted 
an office under the civil authority, they have left his 

[36] 



1755- 

name out of their Records." From 1784 to 1788, Mr. 
Montgomery represented Pennsylvania in the Continen- 
tal Congress. He was admitted to a Master's degree at 
the Philadelphia College, and Yale in 1760. 

Isaac Siiiith served as a tutor for one year after his 
graduation. He afterwards studied medicine and began 
to practice ; but the troubles with Great Britain com- 
mencing, he soon became distinguished for his patriotic 
services, and in 1776 was in command of a regiment. 
At the close of the war he was appointed a Judge of the 
Supreme Court of New Jersey, which position he held 
for eighteen years. He was also a member of the House 
of Representatives after the present Constitution was 
formed, from 1795 to 1797, and was highly esteemed by 
Washington and Adams. Mr. Smith united the charac- 
ters of a Christian, scholar, soldier and gentleman. He 
died in 1807, in hope of mercy through the Redeemer. 

[37] 



1756. 

Stephen Camp was a son of John Camp, of Newark, 
New Jersey. He was a brother-in-law of the Hon. Isaac 
Tichenor, of the Class of 1775, and encouraged by him, 
went with him or followed him into Vermont. He was 
a lawyer, but not very successful in his profession, and 
died young, according to tradition. Mr. Camp was a 
nephew of Dr. William Burnet, of the Class of 1749. 

Alexander Martin. The family of Mr. Martin 
moved from New Jersey to Virginia, and from thence 
to North Carolina, from which State the son came to 
college. In 1772, he represented his State in the Colo- 
nial Assembly. In 1774, he was a member of the first 
Assembly of the people in North Carolina, met to vindi- 
cate their rights. He was a member of the Legislature 
in 1775 and 1776. At the breaking out of the war he be- 
came a Colonel in the Continental line, and participated 
in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. In the 
last he was near Gen. Lafayette when he was wounded. 

After the war, Mr. Martin was Speaker of the Senate 
of North Carolina. In 1782, he was elected Governor of 
the State, and again in 1789. He left several manuscripts 
in prose and verse. An ode on the death of Gen. Francis 
Nash, and one on Gov. Caswell were published in the 
North Carolina University Magazine. From 1793 to 1799, 
Mr. Martin represented his State in the Senate of the 
United States. In 1793, Gov. Martin received the Hon- 
orary degree of Doctor of Laws from Princeton. He 
died in 1807. 

From the omission in the Triennial Catalogue of any 
honorary designations, I have felt some doubt whether 

f 38 ] 



our graduate was the Gov. Martin sketched above. But 
as we know that Gov. Martin's brother graduated in 
1762, and, as Wheeler in his history of North Carolina 
says that he was, "at Princeton for a time," I conclude 
that I am right in my conjecture. 

William Mills, a native of Long Island, was ordain- 
ed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1762, and be- 
came pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Jamaica, 
Long Island. He died in New York, March 18, 1774, 
where he had gone to get medical advice for a chronic 
disease under which he was suffering. 

Mr. Mills was admitted to a Master's degree at Yale 
in 177 1. A New York paper of that day says that " His 
amiable disposition, his peaceful and prudent conduct, 
his unaffected piety and rational devotion, remarkably 
endeared him to those acquainted with him." Mr. Mills 
appears to have been a man of wealth, as " three im- 
proved farms," constituting a part of his estate, were ad- 
vertised for sale shortly after his death. 

Josiah Ogden. The father of Mr. Ogden resided in 
Newark, New Jersey, and was a member of the Presby- 
terian Chu'rch ; but some trouble arising from his gather- 
ing in his hay on the Sabbath, he went over to the Epis- 
copalians, and was one of the founders of old Trinity 
Church in that town. Our graduate died young. He 
had two brothers who were prominent men in their day, 
Dr. Jacob Ogden, of Long Island, and Judge David Og- 
den, a graduate of Yale, and a noted loyalist. There is 
a notice of him in " Sabin's Loyalists." 

Joseph Peck was licensed by Fairfield East Associ- 
ation, in Connecticut, on May 29, 1758. In 1762 I find 
him settled over a Presbyterian Church at Phillippi, in 
what was called Phillips' Precinct, lying between Fish- 
kill and South Salem, New York. On October 27, of 
the same year, he, in connection with Solomon Mead 

[39] 



and Elisha Kent, met and organized what was long 
known as Dutchess Presbytery. Mr. Peck remained in 
this charge until 1769, when in June of that year he was 
installed pastor of a Congregational Church in New Fair- 
field, Connecticut, where he remained until 1775. I can 
trace him no further. 

Azel Roe came to College from Long Island. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New York in 1760, and 
two years after was ordained. In 1763 he became pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church at Woodbridge, New Jersey, 
afterwards connected with Metuchin. During the Rev- 
olutionary war Mr. Roe proved his patriotism in many 
ways. The part of New Jersey in which he resided, was 
much annoyed by marauding parties sent out from the 
British troops stationed on Staten Island. On one occa- 
sion, a brave Continental Captain, who had done great 
execution in driving off or annoying these predatory 
bands, was very anxious to attack a party which had 
encamped near the Blazing Star Ferry, but could not 
induce his men to follow him. As many of them belong- 
ed to Mr. Roe's congregation, he thought he would put 
in requisition his influence over them. Accordingly he 
called and stated his difficulty, and found Mr. Roe more 
than willing to second his efforts. The good minister 
accompanied the Captain to the place where his men 
were, and addressed a few words to them, exhorting 
them to their duty, and enforcing his exhortation by tell- 
ing them that it was his purpose to go into the action 
himself. And into the action he went — every man fol- 
lowing readily. But when the bullets began to fly among 
them, they promised that if he would keep out of harm's 
way, they would do the business for the enemy. And 
seeing that their spirits were sufficiently excited, he did 
retire, and, as he afterwards acknowledged, very much 
to his own comfort. 

One night the Tories united with the British and seized 
Mr. Roe while he was with his family, and carried him 

[40! 



1756. 

off as a prisoner to New York, where they shut him up 
in the " Sugar House." As they were on their way to 
New York, they were obHged to ford a small stream. 
The officer in command, who seemed to have taken a 
fancy to Mr. Roe, and treated him politely, insisted that 
the captured minister should allow him to carry him 
over on his back. When they were about the middle of 
the stream, Mr. Roe, who rehshed a joke, and was not 
wanting in ready wit, said to the officer, '^ Well, sir, if 
never before, you can say after this, that you was once 
priest-ridden." The officer was so convulsed with laugh- 
ter, that he had well nigh fallen under his burden into 
the water. When they arrived in New York, an excel- 
lent breakfast was sent to Mr. Roe by the father of Wash- 
ington Irving, who had been informed of his imprison- 
ment. 

Mr. Roe was a Trustee of the College twenty-nine 
years — from 1778 to 1807. In 1800 the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by Yale. 
Dr. Roe was about the medium height and well propor- 
tioned. His manners were more than ordinarily graceful 
and dignified. 'His preaching was distinguished for sub- 
stantial excellence, rather than those qualities which at- 
tract the multitude. He was universally and highly es- 
teemed as a pastor, and was in charge of the same flock 
for fifty-four years. He died in November, 1815. 

Jesse Koot came to College from Massachusetts. 
After preaching for three years, on account of family cir- 
cumstances he studied law, and was admitted to the Bar 
in 1763. In 1777 he raised a company in Hartford and 
joined General Washington ; he was made Lieutenant- 
Colonel soon after. From May, 1779, till the close of 
the war, he was a member of the Continental Congress. 
In 1789 he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court 
of Connecticut, and was Chief Justice from 1796 until his 
resignation in 1807. 

He was, as a judge, learned and dignified — a man of 

£41] 



warm and undoubted piety. At the age of eighty-five 
he was always seen in his place in the prayer-meeting 
and conference. On the evening of his death, he said, 
** I set out on a pleasant journey in the morning, and I 
shall get through to-night. He died March 29, 1822. In 
1800 Yale conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Laws upon Judge Root. 

His publications are: Report of Cases adjudged in the Superior Court 
and in the Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut from 1789 to 1798, 
Hartford, 1 798-1 803. 2 vols. 8vo. Illustrated by notes on adjudged points 
and rules of practice. 

[4^] 



1757. 

Moses Baldwin. The Commencement of 1757 was 
the first, after the removal of the College to Princeton ; 
made sadly memorable by the death of President Burr, 
two days before. At the head of the roll and of the Class 
of this year stood Moses Baldwin, a native of Newark, 
New Jersey. After graduating, he studied theology, and 
was licensed probably by Suffolk Presbytery. On the 
17th of June, 1761, he was ordained, and settled over a 
Congregational Church in Palmer, Massachusetts. He 
remained as pastor of this church until June 19, 181 1, 
when he resigned. He died in 18 13. As a minister, Mr. 
Baldwin was faithful and diligent in discharging the 
duties of his office. His great ambition was to live to 
the glory of God. His preaching was impressive, for 
Christ and his Cross was all his theme. He was admit- 
ted to a Master's degree at Dartmouth, in 1791. 

Caleb Barnuin, a native of Danbury, Connecticut, 
was licensed by the Fairfield East Association, May 30, 
1759, and was ordained, and settled pastor of the Congre- 
gational Church at Franklin, Massachusetts. He remain- 
ed here about eight years, when on account of difficul- 
ties in the congregation he resigned. Soon after the 
opening of the Revolutionary War, Mr. Barnum was ap- 
pointed Chaplain in the Western Army, but died in camp 
in 1776. Mr. Barnum's successor at Franklin was the 
celebrated Dr. Nathaniel Emmons. Mr. Barnum was 
admitted to an ad eundem Master's degree at Harvard, 
in 1768. 

Nicholas Bayard was probably the son of William 

[43] 



Bayard, a leading merchant in New York before and 
during the Revolution. The family was distantly con- 
nected with Col. John Bayard, of Philadelphia, whose 
sons afterwards graduated at Princeton. After graduat- 
ing, Mr. Bayard returned to New York. There is in 
Holfs Gazette of November lo, 1763, a lorfg account of 
disorderly people doing mischief and pilfering on Sun- 
days, in the Bowery, particularly that a great number 
surrounded the orchard of Mr. Nicholas Bayard, where 
a large quantity of apples '' lay on heaps for making 
cider," and Mr. Bayard being from home, the overseer 
was abused, who then ordering a gun to be brought 
kept them off till dark ; when the orchard was attacked, 
and he fired at the legs of one, and wounded him. The 
family sent another gun, and a reinforcement of another 
white man. The loafers came on again, supposing the 
garrison out of ammunition, but received another shot in 
the legs of one of the party, who then retreated. Mr. 
Bayard, on returning, kept watch with his neighbors all 
night. All this occurred near the present Grand Street 
and Bowery. Mr. Bayard w^as at one time an Alderman 
of the city. 

Koah Benedict was born in Danbury, Connecticut. 
He was ordained, and installed pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church at Woodbury, Connecticut, October 22, 
1760, where he preached for fifty-three years. He died 
in September, 18 13. In 1760, he was admitted to a Mas- 
ter's degree in Yale, and from 1801 to 18 12, was a Fellow 
of Yale College. 

Mr. Benedict published a Sermon on the Death of Dr. Bellamy, 1790. 
Memoirs of Dr. Bellamy, 18 11. 

Abner Brush after graduating, studied theology, 
and in 1758 was ordained by the Presbytery of New 
York, and installed as pastor of-the Presbyterian Church 
at Goshen, New York. Mr. Brush remained in this 
charge until 1766, in which year he probably died. 

[44] 



Caleb Ciirtiss studied theology, and was ordained, 
and settled as pastor of the Congregational Church at 
Charlton, Massachusetts, in 1761. He was dismissed from 
this charge in 1776, after which he represented the town 
in the Provincial Congress, and served in other public 
capacities. He died March 21, 1802. 

Timothy Edwards, the eldest son of Jonathan Ed- 
wards, after his graduation, became a merchant in Eliza- 
bethtown. New Jersey ; but in 1770, he removed to Stock- 
bridge, Massachusetts, and was a leading citizen for forty- 
three years. He was a member of the State Council 
from 1775 to 1780; was Judge of Probate from 1778 to 
1787 ; declined the nomination of member of Congress in 
1779. He died October 27, 1813, aged 75. 

Peter Faneuil. If I am right in my conjecture, 
Mr. Faneuil was the youngest child of Benjamin Faneuil, 
and a nephew of the well-known Peter Faneuil of Bos- 
ton. He entered the celebrated Latin school of John 
Lovell of Boston, in 1746, and, after graduating at 
Princeton, entered into mercantile life in Montreal. 
Failing in business, he resorted to the West Indies, and, 
after the death of his father in 1785, he returned to Bos- 
ton, where he probably died. 

Elnatlian Gregory studied theology and was li- 
censed to preach by the Fairfield East Association, Con- 
necticut, May 29, 1758. He died in 18 16. I have not 
been able to find the place of Mr. Gregory's settlement. 

William Kirkpatrick received license from the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, August 15, 1758, and 
passed several months in missionary work in New Jer- 
sey. He was ordained and appointed a supply to the 
Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey, July 4, 
1759, where he preached until 1766, but was never set- 
tled as their pastor. During this time he had many calls, 

[45] 



1757- 

but declined them all. In 1766 he accepted a call to the 
church in Am well, New Jersey. In 1767 he was elected 
a Trustee of the College. 

Mr. Kirkpatrick was above the ordinary size, but not 
corpulent ; grave, dignified and commanding in his as- 
pect, and of most engaging address. He died in Am- 
well, September 8, 1769. 

Alexander McWliorter was born in New Castle 
Co., Delaware, July 15, 1734. After graduating, he 
studied theology Avith Rev. William Tennent of Free- 
hold, and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, August 3, 1758. On July 4th of the same year, he 
was ordained with a view to a mission in the South, but, 
receiving a call from the Presb3^terian Church in Newark, 
he accepted, and was installed the same summer. In 
1764 he visited North Carolina by order of the Synod, 
and was very efficient in establishing churches in that 
region, but came near losing his life by a violent attack 
of fever. 

In 1775, he was appointed by Congress to visit North 
Carolina, and use every effort to bring over the enemies 
of independence to the American cause. 

In 1776, Yale conferred upon him the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Divinity. 

In 1777, he was at the battle of Trenton, having gone 
to headquarters to confer with General Washington 
about the defence of the State. 

In 1778, at the solicitation of General Knox, he acted 
as chaplain while the army lay at White Plains. In 1779 
he left Newark, that he might accept a situation in 
North Carolina, but was soon obliged to fly before the 
army of Cornwallis, losing almost all that he possessed. 
Returning to Newark, he resumed his old charge, w^hich 
he retained until the day of his death. 

In 1783, Dr. McWhorter was elected President of 
Washington i\cademy in Maryland (afterwards St. John's 
College), which offer he declined. 

[46] 



1757- 

In 1802, at the advanced age of sixty-eight, he was ap- 
pointed by the College of New Jersey to solicit funds in 
New England, for the rebuilding of the College which 
had just been destroyed by fire. He succeeded in col- 
lecting more than seven thousand dollars. He was a 
Trustee of the College for thirty-five years. Dr. Mc- 
Whorter was one of the leading spirits in the organiza- 
tion of the Presb3^terian Church. In 1789 his name 
stands second on a Committee, of which Dr. Wither- 
spoon was Chairman, to whom was committed ''the 
Book of Discipline and Government," with powers to 
digest such a system as they shall think to be accommo- 
dated to the state of the Presbyterian Church in Amer- 
ica. 

Dr. McWhorter was remarkably a man of order and 
method. He was also an accomplished teacher ; and in 
the dearth of text-books, he wrote with his own hand 
for his pupils treatises on several of the sciences. As 
a preacher he was plain, instructive and practical ; his 
language was correct, expressive, and often pathetic. 
He was among the most successful and popular preach- 
ers of his day. Of his influence in Church Courts, Dr. 
Griflin wrote : '^ His voice was listened to with profound 
respect, and the counsels suggested by his superior wis- 
dom enlightened and swayed our public bodies." Dr. 
McWhorter died in the triumph of a rapturous faith, 
July 20, 1807. 

He published, A sermon on The Blessedness of the Liberal, 1796. Two 
volumes of Sermons, 8vo, 1803. 

Samuel Parkliurst was licensed by the Presbytery 
of New Brunswick in 1761, and ordained the next year. 
He was never permanently settled, but died March 11, 
1768. 

Joseph Reed was born in Trenton, New Jersey, 
August 27, 1 74 1. He studied law with Richard Stock- 

[ 47 ] 



1757- 

ton, and was admitted to the Bar in 1763. He then went 
to London and studied in the Middle Temple until 1765, 
w^hen he returned and commenced practice in Trenton. 
In 1770 Mr. Reed re- visited London, and on his return 
took up his residence in Philadelphia. In 1774 he was 
President of the State Convention. In 1775 he accompa- 
nied Washington to Cambridge as his Aid and Secretary, 
and remained with him during the campaign. In 1776 
he was an adjutant-general, and was highly esteemed as 
an officer. By direction of Washington, he co-operated in 
the affair at Princeton by attacking the neighboring Brit- 
ish posts. In 1777 he was elected a member of the Con- 
tinental Congress, and at one time acted as President 
pro-tem. About this time he was approached by British 
officials, offering him great honour and emolument to use 
his influence for the restoration of harmony. The same 
year he received the offer of ten thousand pounds ster- 
ling and the best office in the gift of the crowm in Amer- 
ica, if he could effect the re-union of the two countries. 
To this offer he replied that " he w^as not worth purchas- 
ing ; but such as he was, the king of Great Britain was 
not rich enough to do it." 

In 1778 he was chosen President of Penns3dvania, and 
held the office till 1781. 

Mr. William Rawl said of him, " His mind was per- 
spicuous, his perceptions quick, his penetration great, 
his industry unremitted. Before the Revolution he had 

a considerable share of the current practice When 

he had the conclusion of a cause, he was formidable. I 
have heard an old practitioner say that there was no one 
at the Bar he so little liked to have behind him as Joseph 
Reed." 

Mr. Reed was a Trustee of the Presbyterian Church, 
both in Trenton and Philadelphia, and in one of his pub- 
lications he said of that Church, *' When I am convinced 
of its errors, or ashamed of its character, I may perhaps 
change it ; till then I shall not blush at a connection with 
a people who, in this great controversy, are not second 

[48] 



1757- 

to any in vigorous exertions and generous contributions, 
and to whom we are so eminently indebted for our de- 
liverance from the thraldom of Great Britain." 

Colonel Reed was a Trustee of the College from 1781 
until his death, which occurred in Philadelphia, March 5, 
1785. 

He published, Remarks on Governor Johnstone's Speech in Parliament, 
etc., 1779, 4to. Remarks on a Late Publication in the Independent Gazet- 
teer, with an Address to the People of Pennsylvania. Phila. 1783, 8vo. 

Stephen Sayre, a native of Long Island, became an 
eminent merchant in the city of London, and was at one 
time High Sheriff of the city. But the odour of patriot- 
ism which he carried with him from Princeton still clung 
to him, as we may learn from the following incident : On 
October 23, 1775, Mr. Sayre was arrested on a charge 
of high treason made against him by a sergeant of the 
guard (also a native American) named Richardson. He 
charged Sayre with having asserted that he and others 
intended to seize the king on his way to Parliament, to 
take possession of the town, and to overthrow the present 
government. Sayre was known to be a friend to the pa- 
triots, and on this charge Lord Rochford, one of the Sec- 
retaries of State, caused his papers to be seized and him- 
self to be arrested. Sayre was committed to the Tower, 
from which he was released by Lord Mansfield, who 
granted a writ of habeas corpus. He was subsequently 
tried and acquitted. He prosecuted Lord Rochford for 
seizing his papers, and the court awarded him a condi- 
tional verdict of five thousand dollars damages. The 
conditions annexed proved a bar to the recovery of the 
money, and Sayre was obliged to suffer a heavy pecuni- 
ary loss in costs, besides the personal indignity. The 
whole case is reported in '' State Trials." Mr. Sayre re- 
turned again to his native land, and died in Virginia in 
1818. 

James Smith was a brother of William Smith, the 
4 [ 49 ] 



distinguished Historian, of New York. He received his 
medical education chiefly in Europe, and was graduated 
Doctor of Medicine at Leyden. He became prominent 
in his profession in New York city. He is admitted to 
have been eminently learned, but too theoretical and fan- 
ciful, both as a practitioner and in his course of public 
instruction. He, in connection with John V. B. Tennent, 
of the class of 1758, and a few others, founded the New 
York Medical College, the second medical school in the 
United States. Dr. Smith became Professor of Chemis- 
try and Materia Medica. 

He was a writer of plays and verses, and was the au- 
thor of the drama entitled, '' The Male Coquette." Dr. 
Francis, of New York, describes him at the age of seventy, 
as attired in a velvet coat, with his gold snuff'-box in one 
hand, pressing forward with his vast projecting shirt-frills 
discolored with the drippings of his box, and his little 
brochure of poetry in the other hand, tottering through 
the streets engaged in distributing to the chosen fair his 
rhyming products. 

Dr. Smith died in 1812. 

David Smith settled in Charleston, South Carolina, 
where he became a distinguished instructor of youth. 
He superintended the education of Edward Rutledge, 
one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

John Strain was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Castle, May 29, 1759, and ordained in 1761. Pie settled 
in York County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Archibald Alexan- 
der says of him, that he was a preacher of uncommon 
power and success, and his manner awfully solemn. He 
was called to succeed Gilbert Tennent in Philadelphia, 
but declined the call. He died May 21, 1774. 

Joseph Treat acted as tutor for two years after his 
graduation. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick in 1760. In October, 1762, he was installed 

[ 50 ] 



as colleague of Rev. Dr. Bostwick in the First Presby- 
terian Church, New York City. When the Revolution- 
ary War began, the congregation was scattered, and all 
the ministers left the city. Mr. Treat never returned, 
but supplied the Churches of Lower Bethlehem and 
Greenwich, in Sussex County, New Jersey, until his 
death, in 1797. 

Henry Wells, a native of New York City, after grad- 
uating, studied medicine, and commenced practice in 
New York. After a short residence there, he removed 
to Brattleborough, Vermont, where he lived for eighteen 
years. In 1782, he removed to Montague, with a view 
of obtaining a more central situation as to business, and 
perhaps to diminish somewhat his labors in advancing 
life. Dr. Wells attained the most distinguished rank in 
his profession. His natural powers were good, and his 
medical reading was extensive and judicious. He pro- 
fessed a firm belief in the gospel, and was much attached 
to the moral and religious institutions of the country. 
Dr. Wells dressed somewhat like the Quakers, and wore 
to the last, velvet or buck-skin small-clothes, a long vest 
with flaps and pockets, and a broad-brimmed hat. He 
was a man full of cheerfulness and facetiousness. He 
died August 22, 18 14. 

[51! 



1758. 

Jacob Ker was a grandson of the well-known Wal- 
ter Ker, of Freehold, New Jersey, who was banished from 
Scotland in 1685,-^' for his faithful adherence to God and 
his truth as professed by the Church of Scotland." 

The subject of this sketch, after graduating, acted as 
tutor from 1760 to 1762. In 1763, he was licensed by the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, and was ordained by the 
same Presbytery in 1764. On the 29th of August in the 
same year, he was installed as pastor of the Churches of 
Monokin and Wicomics, Maryland, where he remained 
until his death, which occurred July 29, 1795. Mr. Ker 
was a man of fervent piety, and a good preacher. He 
used manuscripts in the earlier part of his ministry, but 
in the latter part of his life he preached without notes. 
The following testimony to his worth is from the Records 
of the Presbytery of Lewis : " The loss of this great and 
good man was sensibly felt by the Church in general, 
and by this Presbytery in particular. He was a bright 
luminary in the Church, who lived exemplarily, preached 
warmly, and prayed fervently — a pattern truly worthy 
the imitation of his brethren." 

Philip Peter Livingston. The Livingston family 
have no knowledge of any one of this name among their 
ancestors. I therefore suppose him to be the same as 
Peter Robert Livingston, who was a student in the col- 
lege at this time, as proved by the following certificate, 
which I find in the Documentary History of New York : 

"New York, May 8, 1759. — This is to certify that Mr. 

f sO 



John Ewing- was Tutor of the New Jersey College at 
Princeton last year, I, the subscriber, being his pupil. 

"PETER RT. LIVINGSTON." 

If I am right in this conjecture, then he was a son of 
Robert, third proprietor of the Manor of Livingston. 
He was elected to represent the Manor in the Provincial 
Assembly in 1761 and 1768, and again in 1774. At the 
breaking out of the Revolution, he adhered, with other 
members of the family, to the side of American liberty, 
and in 1776, was chosen President of the Provincial Con- 
vention, as w^ell as Chairman of the Committee of Safety, 
and was employed in other departments of the public 
service. He died November 15, 1794. 

Philip Pliils Livingston was the eldest son of 
Philip Livingston, a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and a nephew of Gov. Livingston, of New Jer- 
sey. What became of him after his graduation, I cannot 
discover. 

John Milner became an Episcopal clergyman, and in 
1764, was chosen Rector of the Episcopal Church at East 
Chester, New York, in which position he remained until 
his death. 

Ralph Pomeroy was probably the son of Rev. 
Dr. Benjamin Pomeroy of Connecticut. After gradua- 
ting, he became the third preceptor of Moor's Indian 
Charity School, of which Moses Barrett, of the Class 
of 1754, was the first. In 1786 Mr. Pomeroy was ad- 
mitted to a Master's degree ad eundem at Dartmouth Col- 
lege. 

Thomas Smith studied theology after graduating, 
and was ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, 
and installed pastor of the Church at Cranberry, New 
Jersey, October 19, 1762, and died at his post December 

[53] 



1758. 

^3) ^789- M^- Smith is represented to have been a good 
man, but very inefficient. 

John Van Brvigh Tennent studied medicine and 
settled in New York City. Here he soon became emi- 
nent as a physician and a man of science. In connection 
with James Smith, M. D., of the Class of 1757, and others, 
he founded the Medical College of New York, in con- 
nection with King's College, and became one of its Pro- 
fessors. This was the second Medical School established 
in the United States ; the Philadelphia College, estab- 
lished by Dr. William Shipping of the Class of 1749, 
preceding it but a short time. Dr. Tennent died in 
1770. 

William Tennent, a son of Rev. William Tennent 
of Freehold, New Jersey, was licensed by the Presby- 
tery of New Brunswick in 1761, and ordained the next 
year. Soon after he went to Virginia on a Missionary 
tour by order of the Synod, where he remained six 
months. In 1765, he became pastor of a Congrega- 
tional Church at Norwalk, Connecticut, but retaining 
his connection with the Presbytery. In 1772 he accepted 
a pressing call to an Independent Church in Charleston, 
South Carolina, having been previously invited to be 
colleague with Dr. Pemberton in Boston. He was re- 
ceived in Charleston with great favor, and soon wielded 
a commanding influence both in the pulpit and out of it. 

Mr. Tennent could not look with unconcern at the 
great political movements of the day. It early took firm 
hold of all his powers, and to it he devoted no small 
share of his energies, putting forth in its behalf some of 
his most eloquent efforts. He was early elected a mem- 
ber of the provincial Congress, and was also a member 
of the Committee of Intelligence. 

In July, 1775, with Hon. W. H. Drayton, he was ap- 
pointed by the Committee of Safety to go through the 
country and explain to the people the causes of the diffi- 

[54] 



I7S8. 

culties with Great Britain. The effect of this commis- 
sion was to rouse the whole people in behalf of indepen- 
dence. 

We find Mr. Tennent after this, employing his pen 
from time to time, in the public prints, in the cause of 
civil freedom, and on the nth of January, 1777, he de- 
livered an eloquent speech in the House of Assembly, 
Charleston, advocating a petition, penned by himself, to 
which had been attached the signature of many thou- 
sands, against the Church establishment of the Church of 
England. 

Dr. Ramsay, the historian, states, that in the different 
hours of the same day, Mr. Tennent was occasionally 
heard both in his church and the State House, addressing 
different audiences, with equal animation, on their spirit- 
ual and temporal interests. 

Mr. Tennent was not only an active and flaming pa- 
triot, but a noble preacher. A lively imagination added 
to a careful study of the Scriptures, enabled him to bring 
forth out of his treasury things new and old ; yet he 
never entertained his audience with scholastic niceties or 
subtle questions. Elegance of style, majesty of thought 
and clearness of judgment, appeared in his discourses 
and concurred to render them both pleasing and instruc- 
tive. 

In the summer of 1777, Mr. Tennent went to Freehold 
to bring to his own home his widowed and aged mother. 
He had reached within ninety miles of Charleston on his 
way home, when he was attacked with a nervous fever 
which terminated his life August 11, 1777. 

Two Sermons of Mr. Tennent were published. One entitled " God's 
Sovereignty no Objection to the Sinner's Striving." New York, 1765. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer became distinguished 
as a patriot of the Revolution. He was at one time 
Lieutenant-Governor of the State of New York, and a 
Member of Congress from 1789 to 1791. He died in Al- 
bany, February, 18 10. 



William Whitwell became pastor of the first Con- 
gregational Church in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 
1762. In his preaching he was concise and pertinent, in- 
structive and pathetic. He was admitted to a Master's 
degree at Harvard in 1762. He died in 1781. 

Mr. Whitwell published A Sermon to Mariners, 1769 ; A Sermon on the 
death of Mr. Barnard. 

[56] 



1759- 

James Caldwell was of French origin, his ancestors 
being driven over into Scotland by the fierce persecution 
against the Huguenots. In the reign of James I. a 
branch of the family removed to Antrim in the North of 
Ireland. It was from this family that Mr. Caldwell des- 
cended. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsyl- 
vania, April, 1734. After graduating, he studied theol- 
ogy, and was ordained by the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, in 1 76 1, and installed pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Soon after his 
settlement the Revolutionary war broke out, and Mr. 
Caldwell entered with all his heart into the controversy. 
He joined the regiment of his friend and parishioner 
Colonel Dayton in 1776, and marched to the Northern 
frontier. His influence upon the troops caused the 
enemy to offer high rewards for his capture. In 1780 
his wife was shot by a refugee, through the window of a 
room where she had retired with her children for safety. 

Mr. Caldwell was at one time Assistant Commissary- 
General, where his services were of immense value. His 
end was sudden and violent — he was shot by an Irish- 
man named James Morgan, who was acting as sentinel, 
and who is supposed to have been drunk at the time. 

Mr. Caldwell was a man of unwearied activity, and of 
wonderful powers of both bodily and mental endurance. 
Feelings of the most glowing piety, and the most fervent 
patriotism occupied his bosom at the same time without 
interfering with each other. 

A beautiful monument was erected over his grave in 
Elizabethtown in 1845 I ^^ address being made by Rev. 
Dr. Miller of Princeton. 

[57] 



1759- 

Mr. Caldwell was a Trustee of the College at the time 
of his murder, November 24, 1781. 

Jabez Campfield, a son of Benjamin Campfield, of 
Newark, New Jersey, after graduating, studied medicine 
and settled in Morristown, New Jersey. When the Revo- 
lutionary war commenced. Dr. Campfield entered the 
American army as a surgeon. His journal, written while 
acting as a surgeon under General Sullivan in his expedi- 
tion against the Indians in 1779, is in possession of Ed- 
ward D. Halsey, Esq., of Morristowm, New Jersey. 

John Cariiiichael emigrated to this country from 
Scotland. He studied theology with President Davies, 
and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, 
May 8, 1760. On the 21st of April, 1761, he was ordained 
and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at the 
Forks of the Brandywine, Delaware. He remained the 
pastor of this Church until his death in 1785. 

Like the vast majority of the graduates of Princeton, 
Mr. Carmichael took the side of his country ; and in 1775 
preached a sermon to the Militia of Lancaster County, 
Pennsylvania, in w^hich he endeavoured to establish the 
lawfulness of self-defence. This sermon was published, 
and soon a second edition was called for. So effectually 
did he succeed in instilling into the minds of his people 
his own patriotic spirit, that whenever they were called 
into service, it is said that not a man of them hesitated 
or faltered. 

Mr. Carmichael was a man of an eminently devout and 
Christian spirit. 

Jolin Clark received his license from the Presbytery 
of New Brunswick, May 9, 1760, and was ordained and 
settled at the Forks of the Delaware, October 13, 1762. 
In 1767, on account of bodily infirmity, he resigned his 
charge and removed to Maryland, where he became pas- 
tor of two churches in Baltimore County. In 1775 his 

[58] 



1759- 

pastoral relation was again dissolved, but he continued 
to preach to one of his churches until 1781. In this year 
he removed to Western Pennsylvania, and became pastor 
of the united churches of Bethel and Lebanon in that re- 
gion. At this time he was past the meridian of life, and 
in very feeble health ; but in appearance, grave, sedate 
and venerable ; and as a preacher, solemn and impres- 
sive. Mr. Clark was accustomed to wear a big white 
wig, which sometimes excited prejudice against him. He 
died July 13, 1797. 

James Hunt was the son of James Hunt, conspicu- 
ous in the scenes of a religious nature in Hanover Coun- 
ty, Virginia, during the times of the Rev. Samuel Davies. 
He was ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick 
in 1760. In 1 761 he made a missionary tour through 
North Carolina, being at this time a member of Hanover 
Presbytery. On his return he preached for some time in 
Lancaster County, Virginia ; but the people preferring 
James Waddel, he sought another location. Mr. Hunt 
passed the greater part of his ministerial life in Mont- 
gomery County, Maryland, where for many years he was 
at the head of a flourishing classical school. William 
Wirt was for some years one of his pupils, and for two 
years a member of his family. Mr. Hunt took special 
pains to encourage his pupil in composition and for im- 
provement in elocution. 

A son of Mr. Hunt graduated in the class of 1786. 

Mr. Hunt died at Bladensburg in 1793. 

John Huntington was a native of Norwich, Con- 
necticut. After graduating he became preceptor in 
Moore's Indian Charity School at Lebanon, Connecticut, 
where he remained during the years 1761 and 1762. He 
was ordained and installed over the Third Congrega- 
tional Church in Salem, Massachusetts, September 28, 
1763. His early ministry gave much promise of future 
usefulness and eminence, but the hopes of his people and 

[59] 



1759- 

friends were soon disappointed. He died of a quick con- 
sumption, May 30, 1766. Though he had scarcely made 
proof of his fine talents, yet he had won a generous con- 
fidence in his great abilities, and still more in his fervent 
piety. 

James Leslie became a merchant in New York. 
In his will he left a fund for the education, in the College, 
of poor and pious youth for the Gospel ministry. 

James Lyon was licensed to preach by the Presby- 
tery of New Brunswick in 1762, and ordained by the same 
body, December 5, 1764, to go to Nova Scotia, where he 
laboured in the ministry for several years. In 1771 he 
removed to the State of Maine and began preaching at 
Machias, and in 1782 a Congregational Church was or- 
ganized, and Mr. Lyon became its pastor. During the 
stormy period of the Revolution, Mr. Lyon endured 
great suffering and hardship. The lumbering trade, on 
which his people chiefly depended for subsistence, was 
for a season almost suspended, and they were reduced to 
extremity for want of provisions. The pastor might then 
be often seen forsaking his study, and his half-written 
sermon, and going to fish and dig clams to furnish food 
for his children. About 1782 or 1783 he removed to 
Newtown, Long Island, where he supplied the Presby- 
terian Church until the spring of 1785. He died Octo- 
ber 12, 1794. 

Mr. Lyon published a small Manual of Devotion, a few copies of which 
are still preserved, and serve to give a favorable impression of his piety 
and talents. 

Ebenezer Noyes, a native of Newbury, Massachu- 
setts, after graduating, studied medicine and practiced in 
Dover, Massachusetts, where he died August 11, 1767, 
aged 28. 

Joshua Noyes was also from Newbury, Massachu- 

[60] 



1759- 

setts. He was either a cousin or a twin brother of the 
above. He became a Congregational minister, and in 
1759 was pastor elect of the Church in Kingston, New 
Hampshire. He died July 8, 1773, aged 36. 

Nathaniel Noyes was born in Newbury, Massa- 
chusetts. In 1760 he was ordained as a Congregational 
minister, and spent his life chiefly in labouring among the 
destitute in New England. He died in December, 18 10. 

Thomas Pierce, a native of Newbury, Massachu- 
setts, after graduating, studied theology, and in 1762, was 
ordained as a Congregational minister, and settled as 
pastor of a church at Scarborough, Maine. He died in 

1775. 

Henry Sherburne was a son of Henry Sherburne, 
of Portsmouth, New Flampshire. The father was a friend 
of Gov. Belcher, and intimate with the Rev. Samuel Mc- 
Clintock, of the Class of 1751, and it is probable that 
through their influence the son was sent to Princeton. 
He never accomplished anything after graduating, but 
became a spendthrift, and ended his days in the Ports- 
mouth Almshouse, retaining a ridiculous aristocratic fam- 
ily feeling to the last moments of existence. 

Samuel Spencer. On returning to North Carolina, 
his native State, soon entered upon the practice of the 
law. In 1775, he was appointed with Waightstill Avery, 
of the Class of 1766, on the Provincial Council of Safety. 
Under the Colonial Government, he was a member of 
the Legislature, and Clerk of Anson County. In 1777, 
he was one of the three Judges of the Superior Courts 
first elected under the Constitution. In 1788, he was in 
the State Convention assembled to deliberate upon the 
Federal Constitution. His talents were fully appreciated 
by the country. Judge Spencer died in 1794. His death 
was caused by a most singular circumstance. He had 

[61] 



1759- 

been in ill-health, and was sitting in his yard in the sun, 
when a large turkey-cock, attracted by some part of his 
clothing, which was red, attacked him most furiously, 
and before he could be rescued, was so severely wounded 
that he died in a short time from the injuries. 

[ 62 ] 



1760. 

Joseph Alexander, one of the Alexander family of 
North Carolina, was licensed by the New Castle Presby- 
tery in 1767. The same year he was ordained and in- 
stalled as pastor of the Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church 
in his native State. At this place he established a classi- 
cal school, which soon attained a high reputation. In a 
few years he removed to South Carolina. 

The school established by Mr. Alexander in North 
Carolina, became a college under the title of Queen's 
Museum ; but it was refused a charter by George III. 
After the Revolution it received a charter from the 
North Carolina Legislature ; and is known as Liberty 
Hall. In the course of a few years, this college was re- 
moved to South Carolina, and became incorporated with 
Mount Zion College at Winnsboro, the Rev. Thomas H. 
McCaul, a graduate of Princeton, being the President, 

Mr. Alexander on his removal to South Carolina be- 
came pastor of Union Church, where he remained until 
1773, when he was installed pastor of Bullock's Creek 
Church. In this charge he remained until 1801, when, 
at his own request, the connexion was dissolved ; and he 
remained without a pastoral charge until the close of 
life. 

Mr. Alexander was as active in the cause of education 
in South Carolina, as he had been in North Carolina ; 
and in 1797 the Legislature bestowed a charter upon 
Alexandria College, named after him. 

In 1807, the College of South Carolina conferred the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity upon Mr. Alex- 
ander. 

Dr. Alexander was a man of small stature, and quite 

[63] 



1760. 

lame. He was endowed with fine talents and accomplish- 
ments, and was an uncommonly animated and popular 
preacher. He was an ardent patriot throughout the 
Revolution. He died July 30, 1809. 

A small volume of Dr. Alexander's sermons was published in Charles- 
ton, in 1807. 

John Archer. After leaving college Mr. Archer 
studied divinity, but an affection of the throat led him to 
turn his attention to the medical profession, and he re- 
ceived from the College in Philadelphia, the first medical 
diploma ever issued in America, which is still in posses- 
sion of the family. At the beginning of the Revolution, 
he had command of a military company, and was also a 
member of the Legislature of Maryland, his native State. 
At the conclusion of the war, he returned to his profes- 
sion. As a medical man, he commanded great influence, 
and several discoveries were made by him, which were 
adopted by the profession. Dr. Archer was a member 
of the House of Representatives of the United States 
from 1 80 1 to 1807. He died in 1810. 

Samuel Blair was a son of Rev. Samuel Blair, of 
Faggs' Manor, Pennsylvania. After graduating, he acted 
as tutor in the college from 1761 to 1764. In 1764, he 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle. In 1766, 
he was ordained, and installed pastor of the Old South 
Church in Boston. He remained in this position only a 
year, his health giving way. After leaving Boston, he 
retired to Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he passed 
the remainder of his life. 

The estimation in which Mr. Blair was held may be 
judged by the fact, that when Dr. Witherspoon declined 
the first invitation to Princeton, the Trustees elected Mr. 
Blair President of the College, although not over twenty- 
six years of age. Hearing that a change had taken place 
in Dr. Witherspoon's feelings, Mr. Blair, with remarkable 
self-sacrifice, declined the appointment. 

[64] 



1760. 

Mr. Blair was of medium size, of fair and ruddy com- 
plexion, and decidedly a fine-looking man. The Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania honored him with the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity in 1790. He died in 18 18. 

He published two sermons ; one of which was on the death of the Rev. 
John Blair Smith, D.D. Philadelphia, 1799. //,^ /^^^ 

Enoc Green was ordained by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, in 1762, and installed as pastor of the Presby- 
terian Church at Deerfield, New Jersey, June 9, 1769. 
While pastor of this church, he was abundant in mission- 
ary labor on the Coast of New Jersey. During the Revo- 
lution, he acted as chaplain, and died November 20, 1776, 
from camp fever, contracted while in the discharge of his 
duty. 

Alexander Houston received his license from the 
Presbytery of LcAves, about 1763, and was ordained 
in 1764, and installed as pastor of Murderkill and 
Three Runs Churches in Delaware, where he remained 
until his death, January 3, 1785. Mr. Houston was a 
man greatly beloved, and a most earnest and labori- 
ous minister. Many tears were shed at his early de- 
cease. 

Enos Kelsey, a native of New Jersey, after his grad- 
uation settled as a merchant in Princeton, where he lived 
until the close of his life. During the Revolution, he 
held a responsible office in the Clothier-General's office, 
under the State government. There is a letter of his 
preserved in the Revolutionary Correspondence of New 
Jersey, addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, dated 
October 4, 1779, in which he makes an estimate of the 
cost of clothing the Jersey troops. He proposes to go 
himself to Boston and make the purchases, and thinks 
that by the proposed scheme, he can save the State ten 
thousand pounds in the purchase. 

Mr. Kelsey was for many years Treasurer of the col- 
5 [ 6s ] 



6 



ij6o. 



lege. He was a quiet, highly respected citizen. He died 
in Princeton, in 1809 0^ 18 10. 

Benjamin Rush, after graduating, studied medicine 
with Dr. Shippen of Philadelphia. From 1766 to 1768 he 
was pursuing his studies in Edinburg, where he received 
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. On his return to 
Philadelphia in 1769, he received the appointment of 
Professor of Chemistry in the Philadelphia College. 
In 1776 Dr. Rush was a member of the Continen- 
tal Congress and signed the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. 

In 1777, he was appointed Physician and Surgeon- 
General in the Middle Military District. Dr. Burnet, 
also a graduate of Princeton, holding the same position 
in the Eastern District. In 1787, Dr. Rush was a mem- 
ber of the Convention for framing the Constitution of the 
United States. He was connected with many scientific, 
literary and charitable societies, and was an eloquent ad- 
vocate for the universal establishment of Free Schools. 
In 181 1, the Emperor of Russia sent him a gold ring, as 
a testimony of respect for his high medical character. 
Dr. Rush was one of the most eminent physicians and 
learned medical writers that our country has produced. 
In 1789, Dr. Rush was transferred to the Chair of Theory 
and Practice of Medicine ; and in 1791, the College hav- 
ing been elevated to the University of Pennsylvania, he 
was elected Professor of the Institutes and Practice of 
Medicine and of Clinical Practice — to which, in 1796, he 
added the Professorship of Physic. 

Dr, Rush collected his occasional writings into seven octavo volumes. 

Volumes L, II., III., IV., contain Medical Observations. 

Volume v., Medical Inquiries and Observations upon the Diseases of 
the Mind. 

Volume VL, Sixteen Introductory Lectures to Courses on Medicine, 
with two Lectures upon the pleasures of the Senses and of the Mind. 181 1. 
8vo. 

Volume VII., Essays, Literary, Moral and Philosophical. 

Besides these, Dr. Rush edited many medical works. 

[66] 



1760. 

John Slemnioiis was licensed by the Presbytery of 
Donegal in 1763, and ordained by the Presbytery of Car- 
lisle in 1766, and installed as pastor of the Presbyterian 
Churches of State Ridge and Chanceford, Maryland. 
He resigned his charge previous to 1798, and died in 
1814. 

Jonathan Bayard Smith, a Philadelphian by birth, 
after graduating, returned to Philadelphia, and pursued 
the stud}- of law. At the opening of the Revolution he 
became a prominent friend of Independence. In 1776, 
Mr. Smith was one of the Secretaries of a Conference 
called to consider the subject of a new Constitution for 
Pennsylvania, and was one of the Committee (Dr. Ben- 
jamin Rush being another) to draft an Address to the 
People, which resulted in a convention and a new Con- 
stitution. He was a Member of the Continental Con- 
gress from Pennsylvania in 1777 and 1778. 

Mr. Smith made a large donation of books to the li- 
brary of the College, w^hich fact should be kept on re- 
cord, since so few of the Alumni thus remember their 
Alma Mater. He died in 18 12. 

Josiah Thatcher was installed pastor of a Congre- 
gational Church at Gorham, Maine, October 28, 1767, 
where he remained until April, 1781, when he resigned 
his charge. Without changing his residence, Mr. Thatch- 
er immediately entered into public life, doing a large 
business as a Justice of the Peace — representing the town 
of Gorham for eleven years, and as Senator, the County 
of Cumberland, in the General Court of Maine, and hold- 
ing the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 
from 1784 to 1799. 

Mr. Thatcher experienced fierce opposition during 
much of his ministry, but was subsequently greatly res- 
pected and honored. 

He was admitted to a Master's degree at Yale in 1765. 
He died December 25, 1799. 

[ 67 ] 



1760. 

Amos Thompson was a native of Connecticut, and 
was ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick in 
1764. Soon after being ordained, having heard that the 
Rev. Samuel Hopkins had adopted some novel opinions 
in theology, he took horse and travelled to Newport to 
converse with this celebrated man, and, if possible, to 
convince him of his errors. The result was, that after 
discussing the disputed points for several days, he came 
away a thorough convert to Dr. Hopkins' system, to 
which he tenaciously adhered until his dying day, and 
which he preached on all occasions. 

Soon after this, he removed to Virginia, and settled in 
Loudon County. The following story is told of him by 
Dr. A. Alexander. Mr. Thompson was a man of gigantic 
frame, but not in the least inclined to corpulency. His 
bodily strength was also prodigious. Upon one occasion 
an old Baptist clergyman named Thomas, residing in the 
same part of Virginia, had been threatened with personal 
violence by a set of rough men, if he should ever show 
his face in a certain pulpit. The old man took a journey 
of thirty miles to get the help of Amos Thompson. 
Thompson being fearless and fond of adventure, at once 
agreed to go and preach for him. When they arrived, 
great multitudes had gathered, some to hear and some to 
see the sport. While Mr. Thompson was at prayer, a 
company of men armed with bludgeons entered the 
house and took their position just before the pulpit ; but 
when they saw the brawny arm and undaunted appear- 
ance of the preacher, they became very quiet. At the 
close of the discourse, Thompson addressed himself di- 
rectly to these men — expostulated with them, and declar- 
ing that he would spend all the little property he pos- 
sessed in seeing that justice was done. He concluded 
by saying that, although he was a preacher, and a m^n 
of peace, he held it to be right, when attacked, to defend 
himself, which he was ready and able to do. 

When the meeting was ended, he went out of the 
house and enquired for the captain of the band. Being 

[68] 



1760. 

led to the spot where they were collected, he approached 
this man, and asked him to go aside with him. A stout, 
bold-looking man walked off with him towards the wood, 
on entering which he appeared to be panic-struck, stop- 
ped and raised his club. Thompson said, ^' Fie, man ! 
what can you do with that ?" and in a moment wrested 
it out of his hand, adding that he intended no violence, 
but that if so disposed, he could hurl him to the earth in 
a moment. 

The old Baptist minister was never troubled afterwards 
by these men. It is said that Mr. Thompson was never 
seen without a pipe in his mouth. He died suddenly in 
1801. 

[69] 



I76I. 

David Caldwell, the son of a respectable farmer in 
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was a carpenter by 
trade ; but on being converted, he earnestly desired an 
education, that he might preach the Gospel. His thirst 
for information became a passion, and he resolved to sac- 
rifice time, labour, and all the money that he possessed, 
in order to attain his end. 

He graduated the year that President Davies died, 
being about thirty-six years old. He was licensed to 
preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, June 8, 
1763, and the same summer visited North Carolina as a 
missionary. But it was not until 1768 that he became the 
pastor of the united Churches of Buffalo and Alamance, 
in North Carolina. Here he commenced a classical 
school in connection with his charge, it being the second 
school of permanence in North Carolina ; the first being 
the school of Rev. Joseph Alexander, already noticed. 
Many of his pupils became eminent in, after life. Five 
were governors of States ; a number were promoted to 
the Bench ; about fifty became ministers of the Gospel ; 
a large number were physicians and lawyers. Amidst 
his many duties he found time also to practice medicine. 
Dr. Rush, who was in the class before him, was his life- 
long correspondent. 

Mr. Caldwell was a warm and firm friend of Indepen- 
dence, and he had his full share of the sufferings of the 
times. His house was plundered, his library and valuable 
papers destroyed, his property stolen, and he himself, 
watched for as a felon, passed whole nights in the forest. 

The first blood -shed of the Revolution was not at 
Lexington, but on the Alamance in North Carolina, May 

[70! 



1761. 

i6, 1771, in an engagement between Governor Tryon's 
troops and the Regulators, as they were called. These 
Regulators were not adventurers, but the sturdy patri- 
otic members of three Presbyterian congregations, all of 
them having as their pastors graduates of Princeton. Mr. 
Caldwell was one of them, and on the morning of the 
battle was on the ground going from one side to the 
other endeavouring to prevent the catastrophy. 

When the University of North Carolina was establish- 
ed, Mr. Caldwell was fixed upon as the first President, 
but he declined the honour. He received the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of 
North Carolina in 18 10. Dr. Caldwell was a member of 
the Convention of 1776, which formed the State Conven- 
tion, and also a member of the Convention to consider 
the Constitution of the United States in 1778. These 
were the only representative offices he ever held. After 
a long life of usefulness and honour, he died, August 25, 
1824. 

Isaac Handy was born December 19, 1743. He v/as 
the son of Colonel Isaac Handy, of Princess Anne, Mary- 
land, a man of extensive landed possessions and great 
prominence in the community in which he lived. After 
his graduation, Mr. Handy studied law, and was admit- 
ted to practice, and continued to practice his profession 
in Princess Anne until his death in 1773. He married 
Esther Winder, the daughter of Captain William Win- 
der, a man of fortune, and an Elder in the Wimico Pres- 
byterian Church. Her brother was Governor of Mary- 
land from 1812 to 1815. 

Thomas Henderson, a native of Monmouth Coun- 
ty, New Jersey, studied medicine and practiced in his 
native State. He was early appointed a Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. From 1779 to 1780 he was a 
Delegate to the Continental Congress from New Jersey ; 
two out of the three delegates of that session from New 

[71! 



I76I. 

Jersey being graduates of Princeton. Mr. Henderson 
was in the House of Representatives, under the Consti- 
tution, from 1795 to 1797. He was a man of sterling- 
worth, and of unblemished reputation. For many years 
he was an Elder in Mr. Tennent's Church at Free- 
hold. 

William Jauncey was a son of James Jauncey, of 
New York city, a leading importer before the Revolu- 
tion, and a noted royalist. The son, after graduating, 
became a merchant, and from 1797 to 1802 he was gover- 
nor of the New York Hospital. 

Nathan Ker came to Princeton from th^ congrega- 
tion of William Tennent, of Freehold, New Jersey. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in 
1762, and ordained August 17, 1763, and in 1766 was set- 
tled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Goshen, 
New York, where he remained until his death, which 
took place December 14, 1804. Mr. Ker was a zealous 
Whig in the Revolution, and served for some time as a 
volunteer Chaplain in the army. He was a man of well- 
balanced and cultivated mind, enlarged and liberal views, 
earnest piety, and extensive influence. 

Mr. Ker published a Sermon in the AmeHcan Preacher {vol. iv.) entitled 
*' God's Sovereignty in conferring Means and Grace." 1793. 

Thomas McCracken was ordained by the Presby- 
tery of Lewes, in 1768, and died in 1770. 

David Rice. The fund which supported Mr. Rice 
failed while he was in College, and his Avardrobe became 
so shabby that he meditated leaving ; but this coming to 
the ears of Richard Stockton, Esq., he sent for the young 
man and said to him, "■ I have in a literal sense ventured 
my bread on the waters, having a ship at sea. If it foun- 
ders, you must repay me the sum I advance you ; if it re- 
turns safe, I will venture in the figurative sense.'* Two 

[ 7^ J 



1 76 1. 

years after Mr. Rice offered to repay him, but he refused, 
affirming that he had been repaid long ago. 

Mr. Rice studied theology with John Todd, a gradu- 
ate of the College, and was ordained by Hanover Pres- 
bytery, December, 1763. He laboured for some years in 
Virginia, his native State, and during the Revolution 
took a warm and decided stand in favour of his country. 
He took also an active part in the establishment of Hamp- 
den Sidney Academy, which afterwards became a college. 

In 1783 he removed to Kentucky, and there organized 
and took charge of the congregation of Concord at Dan- 
ville, Cane Run, and the Forks of Dick's River. Mr. Rice 
may be considered the father of the Presbyterian Church 
in Kentucky. In 1785 a general meeting for Conference 
was held, for the purpose of introducing and completing 
a regular Presbyterian organization in the State. Noth- 
ing so tended to the firm establishment of that Church 
in the far West as this Conference ; and Mr. Rice was 
the mover and master spirit of the whole, and was Chair- 
man of the meeting — Mr. Caleb Wallace, another gradu- 
ate of Princeton, being the clerk. He was also the foun- 
der, or one of the founders, of Transylvania Academy, 
which afterwards became Transylvania University. In 
1792 he was a member of the Convention to frame a State 
Constitution. A complete biography of this man would 
necessarily embrace the most interesting events in the 
literary, political, and religious movements of Kentucky 
in its early days. He died honoured and lamented in 
1816. 

The publications of Mr. Rice are, A Circular Letter to his Ministerial 
Brethren on the Example of Paul. An Essay on Baptism ; 1789. A Lec- 
ture on the Divine Decrees ; 1791. Slavery Inconsistent with Justice ; 
1792. A Sermon on the Opening of the Synod of Kentucky. An Epistle 
to the Citizens of Kentucky professing Christianity, especially those that 
are, or have been, denominated Presbyterians; 1805. A Second Epistle 
of the same nature ; 1808. Letters on the Evidences, Nature, and E-fiects 
of Christianity, published in the Weekly Recorder, at the age of 81 ; 1814. 

John Rosbrough came from Ireland in 1735, and 

[73] 



176 



I. 



having learned a trade, he married ; but losing his wife, 
his thoughts were turned to serious things, and after his 
conversion he entered the college, although advanced in 
life. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, August 18, 1762. On the nth of December, 1764, 
he was ordained, and installed as pastor of Greenwich, 
Oxford and Mansfield Churches, New Jersey. In April, 
1769, he removed to the Forks of Delaware, and October 
28, 1772, was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
in that localit}^ ; where he remained until his death, in 
1777. 

He w^as a warm friend to the country's liberties. In 
the dark days of the retreat through New Jersey, he 
joined a company of his neighbours as a private soldier, 
but received a commission as Chaplain soon after. One 
day in the neighbourhood of Trenton, he was out looking 
for his horse, when he was taken prisoner by a body of 
Hessians under British command. He begged for the 
sake of his dear wife and children, that they would spare 
his life. He quickly found, however, that his request 
was to be denied, and that the bloody deed was to be 
performed without delay. He instantly knelt down, and 
in imitation of his blessed Master, prayed for the forgive- 
ness of his murderers. And scarcely had this prayer 
passed from his lips before a deadly weapon pierced his 
body, and he lay struggling in death. 

The last letter his wife received from him is as follows : 
" My dear, I am still yours. I have but a minute to tell 
you that the company are all well. We are going over 
to attack the enemy. You would think it strange to see 
your husband, an old man, riding with a French Fusee 
slung at his back. This may be the last you shall ever 
receive from your husband. I have committed myself, 
you, and the dear pledges of our mutual love, to God. 
As I am out of doors I can write no more. I send my 
compliments to you, my dear, and to the children. 
Friends pray for us. I am your loving husband." 

Mr. Rosbrough was above the medium size, a portly, 

[74] 



1761. 

noble, fine-looking man. He was a good preacher, able 
and eloquent, though a defect in his speech caused him 
sometimes to stammer. 

James Thompson served as tutor from 1762 to 1770. 
By whom he was licensed, I have no means of discover- 
ing. In 1767, he occasionally supplied the Presbyterian 
Church at Trenton, New Jersey. 

Liawrence Van Derveer belonged to one of the 
old Dutch families of the county of Somerset, New Jer- 
sey. After graduating, he studied medicine, and settled 
in the vicinity of Baskingridge, New Jersey, and acquired 
a high reputation for skill in his profession. He was the 
father of Henry Van Derveer, who graduated in 181 1. 
Dr. Van Derveer died in 18 15. 

Jahleel Woodbridge, a son of Timothy Wood- 
bridge, was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. After 
graduating, he returned to his native town, and entered 
upon the practice of the law. He soon became a promi- 
nent man, and was the incumbent of many town offices. 
He served in both branches of the State Legislature from 
1780 to 1784. From 1781 to 1787, he was Assistant Judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas ; and Presiding Judge 
from 1787 to 1795 ; he was also Judge of Probate from 
1787 to 1795. Mr. Woodbridge married Lucy, daughter 
of President Edwards. He died April 13, 1796, having 
been esteemed for his good sense, integrity and piety. 

[75] 



1762. 

Hugh Alison, a native of Pennsylvania, after his 
graduation, was for some time engaged as a teacher in 
Charleston, South Carolina. He married, and removed 
to James Island, taking with him a number of young 
men, with a view to superintend their education. He 
also became pastor of the Presbyterian Church on that is- 
land. Just before the Revolution he returned to Charles- 
ton, where he died of consumption, in 1781. 

Absalom Baintoridge was a native of Hunterdon 
County, New Jersey. After graduating, he studied medi- 
cine, and practiced for a number of years in Princeton, 
New Jersey. He then removed to the city of New York, 
where he practiced for more than twenty years. Dr. Bain- 
bridge was the father of Commodore Bainbridge, of the 
United States Navy, and the maternal grandfather of the 
Rev. John Maclean, D.D., LL.D., Ex-president of the Col- 
lege. He died in 1807. 

Ebenezer Davenport became a Congregational 
minister, and settled over the First Church at Green- 
wich, Connecticut, in 1767, where he remained until his 
death, in 1773. 

Edward Gantt, a native of Prince George County, 
Maryland, after graduating, studied medicine, and prac- 
ticed in Somerset County, Maryland. In 1770, while in 
full practice, he went to England, and received Holy 
Orders. He officiated for a while in his native parish, 
and in 1776 went to All Hallows Parish, Worcester Coun- 
ty. At the end of four years, he returned to his native 

I 76] 



1762. 

parish again, became its Rector, and sustained himself 
on his estate by the practice of medicine. In 1795, he 
removed to Georgetown, after it had become a part of 
the District of Columbia, and there exercised his minis- 
try. He was repeatedly chosen Chaplain to the United 
States Senate after 1800. About 1807, he removed to 
Kentucky. In 1836, he was living with his daughter near 
Louisville, a hale, healthy old man of ninety. 

Ebenezer Hazard returned to Philadelphia, his na- 
tive city, after graduating. He was Postmaster-General 
of the United States from 1782 until the adoption of the 
Constitution, in 1789. 

He died June 13, 1817. 

Mr. Hazard published a valuable historical work, which is often quoted, 
entitled, Historical Collection : consisting of State papers and other au- 
thentic documents, intended as materials for a history of the United States. 
The first volume was published in Philadelphia, in 416, in 1791, and the 
second volume in 1794. He also published. Remarks on a Report con- 
cerning the Western Indians, in the Massachusetts Historical Collection. 

John McCrea, if I am not mistaken, was a son of the 
Rev. James McCrea, the pastor and founder of the Pres- 
byterian Church at Lamington, New Jersey. After his 
father's death, he removed in 1773 to the neighbourhood 
of Fort Edward, New York. He was a brother of Miss 
Jane McCrea, whose tragical murder by the Indians, in 
1777, made such a noise at the time. After her death. 
Col. McCrea, removed with his family to the city of Al- 
bany. His nephew. Col. James McCrea, was living at 
Saratoga in 1823. 

James Manning shortly after leaving college was 
ordained as a Baptist minister, and settled in Morristown, 
New Jersey, near to the place where he was born. To- 
wards the close of the year 1763, he became pastor of the 
Baptist Church at Warren, Rhode Island. Soon after 
settling here, he established a Latin school. Feeling the 
need of an institution of a higher character, he proposed 

in'] 



1762. 

to several influential gentlemen of the Baptist denomi- 
nation, assembled at Newport, the establishment of '' a 
seminary of polite literature, subject to the government 
of the Baptists." A charter was granted by the Legisla- 
ture of the Colony in 1764, to " Rhode Island College," 
and in 1765, Mr. Manning was elected President and Pro- 
fessor of Languages. In 1770 the college was removed 
from Warren to Providence. 

From the first, President Manning took a deep interest 
in the affairs of the country, and was actively engaged 
throughout the Revolution. In 1786, he was chosen to 
represent Rhode Island in the Continental Congress. In 
1785, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Di- 
vinity from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Manning was a laborious and faithful minister of 
Christ, and it is wonderful that he could have performed 
such an amount of labour ; and it is only to be accounted 
for from the fact, that he was gifted with a versatility 
and readiness of mind, which enabled him to preach ad- 
mirably with but little preparation, and to accommodate 
himself with great facility to every variety of circum- 
stances. He died suddenly, July 24, 1791. 

Thomas Martin was a brother of Gov. Alexander 
Martin, of North Carolina, of the Class of 1756. After 
leaving Princeton, he taught school in Virginia, and 
President Madison was one of his pupils. At one time 
he was an inmate of the family of Madison's father. Mr. 
Martin about this time took orders in the Episcopal 
Church, and in 1767, became Rector of a church in Or- 
ange County, Virginia, but his labours were of short du- 
ration, as he died soon after entering upon the duties of 
his parish, towards the close of 1769 or the beginning of 
1770. 

Francis Peppard received ordination about 1764, 
from the Presbytery of New York, and was installed 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Mendham, New 

[78] 



1762. 

Jersey. In 1766, he removed to Orange County, New 
York, and succeeded Enos Ayres as pastor of the Church 
at Bethlehem, having also charge of a church at New- 
Windsor. A few years later, Mr. Peppard became pas- 
tor of the churches at Allen's Township, Pennsylvania, 
and Hardwick, New Jersey. He died while in this 
charge in 1797. 

Joseph Periam, after graduating, became tutor in 
the College. While in this position he embraced Bish- 
op Berkeley's theory, denying the existence of the Mate- 
rial Universe. Samuel Stanhope Smith, who v/as inti- 
mate with him, was in great danger of making shipwreck 
of his religious principles. After leaving the College, 
Mr. Periam taught school for several years, and then 
studied theology, and was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New York in i;74. In 1775, his license was withdrawn 
by the Presbytery. Soon after, he was appointed Quar- 
ter-master in the First Battalion of the New Jersey Brig- 
ade. In 1778, he taught an academy in Elizabethtown, 
New Jersey. He died October 8, 1780. 

It is thought that the withdrawal of Mr. Periam's li- 
cense by the Presbytery, was not on account of his pecu- 
liar views, as we find Dr. Bellamy writing of him in 
1773 : " Mr. Periam has become a very serious man since 
you saw him." And Dr. Jedediah Chapman wrote in 
1772 : " He is a very ingenious young gentleman — I trust 
a truly humble and pious Christian." 

Thomas Ruston studied medicine in Philadelphia, 
Benjamin Rush being his fellow student. He afterwards 
went to Edinburg, where he received the degree of 
Doctor of Medicine, and in 1767 published, in Edinburg, 
a work on Innoculation, which was probably his t/iests 
on receiving his degree. 

Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant a grandson of 
President Dickinson, studied law and was admitted to 

[79] 



1762. 

the bar in New Jersey, his native State. But the Revolu- 
tion coming on, his patriotic zeal and eminent talents 
soon recommended him to the confidence of the people 
for public employment. He was elected to the Conti- 
nental Congress, and took his seat a few days after the 
Declaration of Independence was signed. He was after- 
wards repeatedly elected to the same position. Before 
the close of the war, he transferred his residence to the 
City of Philadelphia, and soon became a conspicuous 
member of the Bar of that city. Mr. Sergeant was the 
first Attorney-General of Pennsylvania, after the Declara- 
tion of Independence. He resided in Philadelphia until 
1793, when he fell a victim to the yellow fever. 

Mr. Sergeant was endowed with a powerful and active 
mind, and his moral qualities were not less distinguished 
and estimable than his intellectual. 

Hezekiali Smith. Soon after his graduation, Mr. 
Smith visited the Southern States for the benefit of his 
health. While at Charleston, he was ordained as a Bap- 
tist Minister. On November 12, 1766, Mr. Smith was 
recognized as the pastor of the Baptist Church of Haver- 
hill, Massachusetts, of which he remained the honoured 
pastor for a period of forty years. He was a life-long 
friend of his class-mate Dr. Manning, and did much for 
the endowment of Brown University. Mr. Smith was a 
native of Long Island. In 1776, he was appointed Chap- 
lain in the Continental Army, which post he held for 
four years. While in this position, he became the inti- 
mate friend of Washington, and possessed the confidence 
and esteem of the officers and men of the whole army. 
He repeatedly exposed his life in battle, and was ever 
among the foremost in encouraging the soldiers, and in 
soothing the sorrows of the wounded and dying. 

Dr. Smith was a man of commanding presence, large 
and well proportioned inspiring respect by his dignity, 
and winning affection by his affability and grace. He 
was admitted to a Master's degree at Yale in 1772, 

[80] 



1762. 

and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from Rhode Island College in 1797. He died suddenly, 
January 22, 1805. 

6 [81] 



1763. 

James Boyd was ordained by the First Presbytery 
of Philadelphia in 1770, and installed pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Churches of Newtown and Bensalem, Penn- 
sylvania where he remained for forty-three years. His 
influence was widely felt, In 1781, he was elected a 
Trustee of the College at Princeton, which position he 
resigned in 1800. He died in 181 3. 

John Close was licensed by Suffolk Presbytery soon 
after his graduation and immediately visited the South, 
where he did good service in North and South Carolina 
as a Missionary. Returning to the North he was called 
and ordained as colleague to Rev. Ebenezer Prime at Hun- 
tington, Long Island, October 30, 1766. He was dis- 
missed from this charge, April 4, 1773, and took charge 
of a church at New Windsor, New York, where he re- 
mained until 1796. He was admitted to a Master's de- 
gree at Yale in 1771. The few last years of his life were 
spent at Waterford, New York, where he died in 1813. 

Robert Cooper came from Ireland. There is a 
tradition among his descendants that he learned the busi- 
ness of plough-making to assist him in getting an educa- 
tion. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
February 22, 1765. The same year he was ordained and 
installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Middle 
Spring, Pennsylvania. Here he laboured faithfully for 
thirty years. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
ferred upon him by Dickinson College in 1792. His pas- 
toral relation was dissolved April 12, 1797, on account 
of ill health. 

I 82 ] 



1763. 

During the American Revolution, Dr. Cooper was a 
zealous Whig, and often visited the army to exhort them 
to activity and fidelity. Indeed he is said to have been 
the -captain of a company at one time. He preached 
** before Colonel Montgomery's battalion under arms," 
near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1775, a 
sermon entitled '' Courage in a Good Cause." This dis- 
course was published. Dr. Cooper was a short, spare 
man, with a trace of melancholy in his face. He died 
April 5, 1805. 

Beside the sermon noticed above, Dr. Cooper published " A Tract," en- 
titled " Signs of the Times." 

David Cowell was born in Trenton, New Jersey, 
and w^as a nephew of the Rev. David Cowell, that long 
and active friend and Trustee of the College. After 
graduating, he studied medicine in Philadelphia, took 
his degree, and returned to Trenton, where he practiced 
until his death. For two years he was senior physician 
and surgeon in military hospitals. Dr. Cowell under- 
took to draft an outline of his will while suffering under 
an attack of quinsey, and within a few hours of its fatal 
termination. Unable to articulate, he hastened to make 
a rough outline of his intentions, which he doubtless 
hoped to have had put into form by another hand ; but 
he was compelled by the force of the disease to have the 
paper copied in the incomplete terms in which he had 
drawn it. It began : " I, Doctor David Cowell, being of 
sound judgment, but not able to talk much." In his will 
he left one hundred pounds to the College of New Jer- 
sey ; and " to the Congress of the United States of Amer- 
ica, one hundred pounds, if they settled themselves at 
Lamberton," a suburb of Trenton. His death occurred 
December 18, 1783. 

John Craighead received ordination from Donegal 
Presbytery, about 1767, and was settled as pastor of 
Rocky Spring Church, Pennsylvania. It is said that he 

[83] 



1763. 

fought and preached alternately. At the commencement 
of the war he raised a company from the members of his 
charge, and joined Washington's army in New Jersey. 
Mr. Craighead was a humourist, and a good many good 
jokes are told of him. One day going into battle with 
his friend and class-mate, Robert Cooper, a cannon ball 
struck a tree near him, a splinter of which nearly knocked 
him down. ^' God bless me !" exclaimed Mr. Cooper ; 
" you were nearly knocked to staves." " Oh, yes," was 
his reply ; " and, though you are a cooper, you could not 
have set me up." 

'Mr. Craighead remained at Rocky Spring until 1798, 
when he resigned his charge, and died April 20, 1799. 
The Rev. Francis Herron, D.D., was his successor. 

Samuel Eakin was ordained by the Second Pres- 
bytery of Philadelphia, in 1770. From 1773 to 1777, he 
was settled at Penn's Neck Presbyterian Church in West 
Jersey. But rendering himself obnoxious to the Tories 
by his zeal in the cause of iVmerican liberty, he was 
obliged to withdraw. He was the idol of the soldiers. 
Wherever there was a military training, or an order is- 
sued for the soldiers to march, he was, if in his power, 
always there to address them, and by his eloquence, 
would excite their emotions of patriotism to the highest 
pitch. It is related of him, that he was so warm a Whig 
that he never entered the pulpit without imploring the 
Lord " to teach our people to fight and give them cour- 
age and perseverance to overcome their enemies." Mr. 
Eakin was an extraordinary man, and next to Mr. White- 
field, esteemed the most eloquent preacher who had ever 
been in the country. He died in 1784. 

Ezekiel Emerson, a native of Uxbridge, Massachu- 
setts, was ordained pastor of a Congregational Church in 
Georgetown, Maine, July 3, 1763. He retired from the 
ministry in 18 10, on account of infirmity, and died No- 
vember 9, 181 5, aged 80. 

[84] 



1763. 

James Jauncey, a brother of William Jauncey, of 
the Class of 1761, became a prominent merchant in New 
York City. At first he took the side of the Colonies, 
and was an associate of Jay on the Committee of Fifty. 
In 1775, he was a member of the Colonial Assembly of 
New York. At the beginning of the Revolution he took 
the side of the king. Mr. Jauncey was a leading mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church in New York, and a 
warm friend of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, who was greatly 
grieved at his taking sides against the country. Mr. 
Jauncey retired to England, and died in 1790. 

John Lathrop, a native of Norwich, Connecticut, 
was for some months after his graduation engaged as an 
assistant teacher with the Rev. Dr. Wheelock, in Moore's 
Indian Charity School at Lebanon, Connecticut ; and for 
several months he was a missionary among the Indians. 
On the 1 8th of May, J 768, he w^as ordained, and installed 
pastor of the Old North Church in Boston. At the 
opening of the Revolution, in 1775, he was compelled to 
leave his charge, but returned to it in 1776. In the mean- 
time their house of worship had been destroyed, he there- 
fore accepted an invitation to preach in the New Brick 
Church as an assistant to the Rev. Dr. Pemberton. After 
Dr. Pemberton's death, the two societies were united, 
and Mr. Lathrop became their pastor — this was in June, 
1779. Here he continued till the close of his life. Dr. 
Lathrop adopted Unitarian views, but at what period is 
not certain. His preaching was practical rather than 
doctrinal. He was an ardent patriot. In 1778, he be- 
came a Fellow of the Corporation of Harvard, which he 
held during life. He was an officer in many public and 
charitable institutions. In 1785, he was honoured with 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the University of 
Edinburg. He died January 4, 18 16. 

Dr. Lathrop's publications are : A Sermon occasioned by the Boston 
Massacre, 1770. A Sermon to a Religious Society of young men at Med- 
ford, 1771. An Artillery Election Sermon, 1774. A Thanksgiving Ser- 

[85] 



1763. 



mon, 1774. A Sermon on the 5th of March, 1778. A Sermon on the death 
of his wife, 1778. A Sermon at the Ordination of William Bentley, 1783, 
A Discourse occasioned by the return of Peace, 1783. A Discourse before 
the Humane Society of Massachusetts, 1787. A Catechism for the use of 
children (two editions), 1791 and 18 13. The Dudleian Lecture at Harvard 
College, 1793. A Discourse addressed to the Charitable Fire Society, 1796. 
A Sermon on Fires in Boston, 1797. A Fast Sermon occasioned by the 
yellow-fever, 1798. A Sermon on the National Fast, 1799. A Sermon on 
the Commencement of the Nineteenth Century (in two parts), 1801. A 
Sermon before the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts. 
'1804. A Sermon before the Boston Female Asylum, 1804, A Sermon at 
the dismission of the Rev. Joseph McKean, at Milton, 1804. A Sermon at 
the interment of the Rev. Samuel West, D. D., 1808. A Thanksgiving Ser- 
mon, 1808. A Sermon on the death of his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Lathrop, 
1809. A Sermon at the interment of the Rev. Dr. Eckley, 181 1. A Thanks- 
giving Sermon, 181 1. A Discourse delivered on the Author's Birthda)^ 
1812. Two Fast Sermons occasioned by the war of 1812-1815; 1812. A 
Sermon on the death of the Rev. John Eliot, D. D,, 1813. Biographical 
Memoir of Rev. John Lathrop, 1803. A Sermon at the Dedication of a 
church at Dorchester, 1813. A Sermon on the Law of Retaliation, 1814. A 
Sermon preached at Weymouth, at the interment of Miss Mary P. Bick- 
nell, 1 8 14. A Thanksgiving Sermon on the return of Peace, 18 15. A 
Compendious History of the late War, 1815. 'Besides the above, may be 
mentioned, several Charges, etc., at Ordinations, delivered at different pe- 
riods of his ministry; and some valuable Communications to the American 
Academy, which are embodied in their Collections. 

Joseph liyon. I can discover no reference to Mr. 
Lyon, except the record upon his tombstone : that he 
died at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1 821, in his 8ist 
year. He was of the numerous race inhabiting Newark, 
Elizabeth, and Lyons Farms lying between the two. 

Obadiali Noble entered the ministry and settled as 
pastor of a Congregational Church at Orford, New 
Hamsphire, November 9, 1771. He was released from 
this charge, February 16, 1829, and removed to Vermont, 
where he died the same year. He was admitted to a 
Master's degree at Dartmouth in 1773. 

William Paterson read law with Richard Stock- 
ton, and commenced practice in Hunterdon County, 
New Jersey. But the troubles with Great Britain aris- 

[86] 



1763. 

ing, he entered into public life, and soon obtained a com- 
manding position. In 1775 he was a member of the Pro- 
vincial Congress of New Jersey, and the same year was 
elected Treasurer of the Province. On the organization 
of a State Government, under the new State Constitution, 
Mr. Paterson was appointed Attorney-General, which 
position he held till the close of the war. After the war 
he devoted himself to his profession in the county of 
Somerset. In 1783 he removed to Trenton. Mr. Pater- 
son was a delegate to the Convention which framed the 
Federal Constitution ; six of the delegates being gradu- 
ates of Princeton. Mr. Paterson took a prominent part 
in the deliberations of that body, and on the adoption of 
the Constitution was elected a member of the United 
States Senate — three of that body being graduates of 
Princeton : Paterson, of New Jersey ; Elsworth, of Con- 
necticut ; and Henry, of Maryland. On the death of 
Governor Livingston, Mr. Paterson was chosen Governor 
of New Jersey, and continued in this office until March 
4, 1793, when he was elevated to the Bench of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States. He held this high 
office until the end of life. Judge Paterson received 
the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Dartmouth, 
in 1805, and from Harvard, in 1806. He was a Trustee 
of the College for fifteen years. He died at Albany, Sep- 
tember 9, 1806. 

He was a profound lawyer, and in every position which 
he held, stood conspicuous for integrity and high Chris- 
tian character. 

Tapping Reeve was the son of the Rev. Abner 
Reeve, of Long Island, and afterwards of Vermont. He 
entered upon the practice of the law in 1772, at Litchfield, 
Connecticut. Mr. Reeve was a firm and warm friend of 
his country during the Revolution. In 1792 he opened 
a law school, and continued to give lectures to students 
at law for nearly thirty years. In 1798 he was appointed 
Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, and after- 

[87] 



1763. 

wards was Chief Justice. His first wife was the only 
daughter of President Burr. Judge Reeve was a pro- 
found lawyer, and Chancellor Kent said of him : ^' He 
everywhere displays the vigour, freedom, and acuteness 
of a sound and liberal mind." He was also an eminent 
Christian, and employed much of his time in private de- 
votion. He was accustomed to pray for the conversion 
of individuals among his acquaintances. He died De- 
cember 13, 1823. 

The Publications of Mr. Reeve are, The Law of Baron and Femme ; of 
Parent and Child ; of Guardian and Ward ; of Master and Servant. New 
Haven. 18 16, A Treatise on the Law of Descents in the several United 
States of America. New York. 1825. 

John Simpson, a native of New Jersey, was licensed 
by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in 1770, and for 
the two following years he preached at Easton, Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1772 he was appointed by the Synod of New 
York and Philadelphia to visit Virginia and North Caro- 
lina. He spent seven months in this missionary work, 
and in 1774 was ordained and settled as pastor of Fishing 
Creek Church, South Carolina. Until the stormy times 
of the Revolution, his life was peaceful and uneventful, 
except a little stir occasioned by his introducing Watts's 
Psalms and Hymns into his congregation ; but these 
troubles gradually subsided. Mr. Simpson was a bold 
and ardent advocate of independence, and was in many 
conflicts and skirmishes, in some of which he was re- 
garded as the leader and adviser. He had many narrow 
escapes, and in the course of the war his house, his libra- 
ry, his sermons, and indeed all that he possessed, were 
destroyed by the enemy. After the war, he gathered his 
scattered flock, and for ten years preached to them the 
Word ; but from the removal of families to new settle- 
ments, he was at last obliged to seek another home. 

In 1790 Mr. Simpson became pastor of Roberts and 
Good Hope Congregations in Pendleton County, South 
Carolina. In 1802 his churches were visited with a 

[88] 



1763. 

most remarkable revival. Mr. Simpson continued his la- 
bours here until his death, which occurred February 15, 
1808. 

William Mackay Tennent was a son of Rev. 
Charles Tennent, of Delaware, and a nephew of William 
and Gilbert Tennent. He was ordained June 17, 1772, 
as pastor of the Congregational Church in Greenfield, 
Connecticut. In December, 1 781, he resigned his charge 
and accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church at Abing- 
ton, Pennsylvania, where he continued till his death, De- 
cember, 1 8 10. He was a Trustee of the College at Prince- 
ton from 1785 till 1808. He received the Degree of Doc- 
tor of Divinity from Yale College, in 1794. 

Dr. Tennent married a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Rod- 
gers, of New York. In 1797 he was Moderator of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. A. 
Alexander, who knew him personally, represents him as 
a man of great sweetness of temper and politeness of 
manner, and as distinguished for his hospitality. In his 
last hours he was blessed with an uninterrupted assur- 
ance of the favour of God. 

James Watt studied theology, and in 1770 was or- 
dained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Cape May, New Jersey, by the First Presbytery of 
Philadelphia. Mr. Watt died November 19, 1789. Upon 
his tombstone we read, " If disinterested kindness, integ- 
rity, justice and truth deserve the tributary tear, here it 
is claimed." 

Simon Williams came to America from Ireland. 
Three years after his graduation, he was ordained pastor 
of the Congregational Church in Windham, New Hamp- 
shire. He died, September 10, 1793. 

[•91 



\ 



1764. 

Thomas John Clagget was descended from an old 
English family who early settled in Calvert County, 
Maryland. He w^as born in Prince George County, 
Maryland, October 2, 1743. After graduating, he enter- 
ed immediately upon the study of theology. Having 
completed his preparatory studies, he went to England 
for ordination, and in 1767 was admitted to the Order of 
Deacons ; and the Priesthood by the Rev. Richard Ter- 
rick. Bishop of London. On his return to America, he 
became rector of All Saints' Parish, in Calvert County, 
Maryland. Here he continued until the opening of the 
Revolution, when he ceased to preach for two years. 

In 1780, he was elected Rector of St. Paul's, Prince 
George County, Maryland. On May 31, 1792, he was unan- 
imously elected Bishop of Maryland, and on September 
13, was consecrated in Trinity Church, New York, by 
Bishop Prevost; Bishops Seabury, White and Madison 
assisting in the service — being the fifth Bishop then in 
the United States, and the first that was consecrated this 
side of the Atlantic. 

In 1800, he acted as Chaplain to the Senate of the 
United States, the first Session held in Washington. 

After presiding over the Episcopal Church in Mary- 
land for twenty-five years, he died August 2, 18 16, aged 

73. 

Bishop Clagget's publications consist of his Pastoral 
Letters, Addresses to the Convention, and a few occa- 
sional Sermons. He was a well-informed divine, and 
continued to the last devoted to the studies and the du- 
ties of his profession. 

Bishop Clagget was a man of commanding person, voice 

[9°] 



1764. 

and manners, and of great dignity of character, yet ex- 
ceedingly mild, affable, and easy of access. He was in 
the habit of wearing the mitre on special occasions, and 
Bishop Meade relates an amusing incident connected 
with the consecration of a church in Alexandria, at 
which Bishop Clagget officiated. Putting on his robes 
and his mitre at some distance from the church, he had 
to go along the street to reach it. This attracted the at- 
tention of a number of boys and others, who ran after 
and along side of him, admiring his peculiar dress and 
gigantic stature. His voice was as extraordinary for 
strength and ungovernableness as was his stature for 
size, and as he entered the door of the church where the 
people were in silence awaiting, and the first words of 
the service burst forth from his lips in his most peculiar 
manner, a young lady, turning around suddenly and see- 
ing his huge form and uncommon appearance, was so 
convulsed that she was obliged to be taken out of the 
house. 

William Foster, a native of Lancaster County, 
Pennsylvania, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery 
of New Castle, April 23, 1757, and ordained and installed 
pastor of Upper Octorora and Doe Run Presbyterian 
Churches, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1768. 

In the Revolution, Mr. Foster engaged heartily in the 
cause of civil liberty, and encouraged all who heard him 
to do their utmost in defense of their rights, and on this 
account he became very obnoxious to the enemy, and 
more than once attempts were made to seize him. 

On one occasion Mr. Foster was called to Lancas- 
ter to preach to the troops collected there previous to 
their joining the main army. The discourse was so ac- 
ceptable, that it was printed and circulated, and did 
much to arouse the spirit of patriotism among the people. 
Mr. Foster was a man of very superior mind, and was 
much esteemed and respected by all who knew him for 
his solid sense and unaffected piety. He held a high 

[9'] 



1764. 

place also among his brethren, as his name constantly 
occurs in connection with positions of trust and responsi- 
bility. He occasionally received theological students 
under his care. He died September 30, 1780. His death- 
bed was a scene of triumph. 

Nathaniel Hazard, from the best information I 
can obtain, was a son of Nathaniel Hazard of New York, 
and a cousin of Ebenezer Hazard of the Class of 1762. 
He was admitted to a Master's degree at Yale in 1770. 
Mr. Hazard died in 1798. 

Samuel Leake, a native of Virginia, was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Hanover, at Tinkling Spring, Virginia, 
April 18, 1766, and was ordained May 3, 1770, and settled 
as pastor of Rich Cove and North Garden Presbyterian 
Churches, Albemarle County, Virginia. Mr. Leake's 
pastorate was short, being brought to an end by his 
death, December 2, 1775. A large proportion of his- very 
numerous descendants have been pious. The blessing 
of God has rested upon his house. 

John McCrery studied theology and was licensed 
by the Presbytery of New Castle about 1767. He was 
ordained and installed as pastor of White Clay Creek 
Church, Delaware, in 1769. Mr. McCrery held this 
charge for thirty years. He died in 1800. 

Alexander Miller received his license to preach 
from the Presbytery of New York in 1767, and was or- 
dained in 1770. In 1 77 1, he took charge of a Church 
gathered in Schenectady, New York, Avhere he remained 
for eleven years, but during the distraction of the Revo- 
lutionary war, his congregation dispersed, and he was 
compelled to leave the field. Where Mr. Miller resided 
after leaving Schenectady, I have no means of determin- 
ing. In 1785 he was elected a Trustee of the College ; 
and resigned the post in 1795. 

[92] 



1764. 

Joseph Smith, of Nottingham, Pennsylvania, was 
licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, August 5, 
1767, and was ordained and installed pastor of Lower 
Brandy w4ne Church, Delaware, April 19, 1769. This 
charge he resigned in 1772, but in 1774, accepted a call 
from the second church in Wilmington, that Church hav- 
ing united with his old Brandywine Church. He la- 
boured here until April, 1778, when he resigned on ac- 
count of the distracted state of the country. 

But now he was about to enter upon the great work 
of his life in Western Pennsylvania. Here he became 
prominent for piety and energy, and was one of the 
fathers of the Presbyterian Church in that region. The 
Revs. James Power and John McMillan, both graduates 
of Princeton, had already preceded him. His first charge 
was Buffalo and Cross Creek, where he was settled in 
1780. A revival soon began in his church which never 
ceased till the day of his death, more than twelve years ! 

Mr. Smith was not a man of robust health. In person 
he was tall and slender, of fair complexion, and was some- 
what disfigured by a cast in one of his eyes. His voice 
was remarkable ahke for the terrific and the pathetic. 
Some one said of him, " I never knew a man who could 
so completely unbar the gates of hell, and make me look 
so far down into the dark, bottomless abyss, or like him, 
could so throw open the gates of heaven, and let me 
glance at the insufferable brightness of the great white 
Throne." 

Mr. Smith died April 19, 1792. 

Thomas Treadwell. For seven years, from 1776 to 
1783, Mr. Treadwell was a member of the Assembly of 
New York from Suffolk County. From 1791 to 1795, he 
represented the State of New York in the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the United States. He died in 1826. 

James Tuttle was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New York in 1765. He was the first settled pastor at 

[93] 



1764. 

Rockaway and Parcipany, New Jersey. He died in 
April, 1 77 1. 

William Woodhull, probably a native of Long Is- 
land, was licensed by the Presbytery of Suffolk in 1768, 
and ordained by the Presbytery of New York in 1770. 
In 1783, on account of continued bodily infirmity, he 
ceased from preaching and devoted himself to secular 
pursuits. At his request the Presbytery dropped his 
name from their roll, but by order of the Synod it was 
restored. 

It is an interesting fact that the commencement of this 
year was held in the *' New Church," and Mr. Whitefield 
preached in the morning. 

[94] 



1765- 

John Bacon was born in Canterbury, Connecticut. 
After leaving College, he studied theology, and was or- 
dained a Congregational Minister, and preached for a 
time in Somerset County, Maryland. In 1 771, he was 
settled with the Rev. John Hunt as a colleague pastor of 
the old South Church in Boston, as successor to the Rev. 
John Blair. His style of preaching was argumentative, 
and his manner approaching the severe. He left his 
church in 1775 on account of doctrinal difficulties which 
arose. He then removed to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 
and became in turn, a magistrate, a representative in the 
Legislature, Associate Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, a member and President of the State Senate, and 
a Member of Congress. In his political views he ac- 
corded with the party of Mr. Jefferson. 

Mr. Bacon was one of the original Trustees of Wil- 
liams College, He died October 25, 1820. 

He published, A Sermon, 1772 ; An Answer to Huntington on a Case of 
Discipline, 1781 ; A Speech on the Courts of the United States, 1802 ; Con- 
jectures on the Prophecies, 1805. 

Joel Benedict. The ancestors of Mr. Benedict 
were among the early settlers of New England. He 
was born in Salem, New York, January 8, 1745. After 
leaving Princeton, he taught school in the South, but the 
climate affecting his health, he returned to his father's 
house in Salem. He now determined to devote himself 
to the ministry, and pursued his studies under Dr. Bell- 
amy. After his licensure he supplied destitute churches 
in Maine and Massachusetts until 1771, when he became 
pastor of a Congregational Church at Newent (now 

[95] 



Lisbon), Connecticut, where he laboured until 1781, when 
he resigned on account of his health, which had long 
been feeble. Recovering his health in 1784, he became 
pastor of the Church at Plainfield, Connecticut, where 
he preached with great acceptance until his death, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1816. 

In 1808 the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity 
was conferred upon him by Union College, and in 18 14 
by Dartmouth. 

Dr. Benedict was a distinguished classical scholar, and 
Virgil was his favourite author through life. It is said 
that his reading of Latin poetry, even when he was in 
college, was so remarkable that the professors sometimes 
set him to reading Virgil merely for their own gratifica- 
tion. He was also profoundly versed in mathematics ; 
and as a biblical scholar he had few superiors. The 
Hebrew language, which he was accustomed to call " the 
language of the angels," was his delight. 

Dr. Benedict lived through the stirring scenes of the 
Revolution, and mingled in them with the spirit of a true 
patriot. 

The only acknowledged publication of Dr. Benedict is a sermon preached 
at the funeral of Rev. Dr. Hart in 1811. 

William Davies, the eldest son of President Davies, 
studied law, and settled at Norfolk, Virginia. In the 
Revolutionary War he attained the rank of Colonel in 
the American Army ; was an officer of distinguished 
merit, and possessed, in an eminent degree, the esteem 
and confidence of the Commander-in-Chief. He was a 
man of powerful mind, highly cultivated and enriched 
by various knowledge. He died in Virginia before 1820. 

Jonathan Edwards, a son of President Edwards, 
after leaving college, studied divinity with Dr. Bellamy, 
and was licensed by a Congregational Association at 
Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1766. In 1767 he was ap- 
pointed tutor at Princeton, where he remained two years. 

[ 96 ] 



1765- 

On the 5th of January, 1769, he was ordained and became 
pastor of a church at Colebrook, Connecticut, where he 
hoped to spend his Kfe in retirement; but in June 1799, 
he was elected and inaugurated the President of Union 
College. 

Dr. Edwards was a man of uncommon powers of 
mind. He has seldom been surpassed in acuteness and 
penetration. His manner in preaching was bold and 
animated, but he addressed the understanding and con- 
science rather than the passions of his audience. He 
died August i, 1801. 

The writings of Dr. Edwards are a book entitled, " The Salvation of all 
Men Strictly Examined," etc., in answer to Dr. Chauncy. A Dissertation 
on Liberty and Necessity. Observations on the Language of the Muhhe- 
kaneew or Stockbridge Indians, communicated to the Connecticut Society 
of Arts and Sciences, and republished in the Massachusetts Historical 
Collections, with Notes by J. Pickering. Brief Observations on the Doc- 
trine of Universal Salvation, Three Sermons on the Atonement. Sermon 
at the Ordination of Timothy Dwight, Greenfield, 1785. Sermon at the 
Ordination of Daniel Bradley, Hamden, 1792. Sermon at the Ordination 
of William Brown, Glastenburg, 1792. Sermon at the Ordination of Edward 
Dorr Griffin, New Hartford, 1795. A Sermon on the Injustice and Impolicy 
of the Slave Trade, 1791. Human Depravity the Source of Infidelity: a 
Sermon published in the "American Preacher," vol, ii,, Marriage of a Wife's 
Sister Considered, in the Anniversar)^ Concio ad Clerum, in the Chapel of 
Yale College, 1792. A Sermon on the Death of Roger Sherman, 1793. An 
Election Sermon, 1794, A Sermon on a Future State of Existence and the 
Immortality of the Soul, printed in a volume entitled, " Sermons Collected, 
etc." A Farewell Sermon to the People of Colebrook, A number of 
pieces in the New York " Theological Magazine" under the signature of 
I. and O. 

He also edited from the manuscripts of his father. The History of the 
Work of Redemption, two volumes of Sermons, and two volumes of Obser- 
vations on Important Theological Subjects, 

His whole works were edited and published by his grandson, Rev, Tryon 
Edwards, D. D. 

Robert Halsted belonged to the Ehzabethtown 
family of Halsteds. After graduating he studied med- 
icine, and became quite eminent in his profession. 

llichard Hut son was a son of the Rev. William 
7 [97] 



Hutson, one of the early Presbyterian ministers in South 
Carolina. He entered the profession of the law after 
leaving Princeton, and became one of the first Chancel- 
lors of South Carolina. He was an earnest patriot, and 
was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1777 to 
1779. I^ 17S0 he was taken prisoner by the British, and 
confined for some time in St. Augustine, Florida. 

Samuel Kirkland held a high rank as a scholar 
during his college course, and was esteemed a young 
man of marked ability. He left college eight months 
before his class graduated, but nevertheless received his 
degree. He immediately went on a missionary expedi- 
tion to the Seneca tribe of Indians, the most warlike and 
distant tribe of the Six Nations. Sir William Johnson 
gave him every assistance in his mission. His adventures 
it is impossible here to relate. It was a scene of constant 
hardship, of unremitting labour, and often of imminent 
danger. After being a year absent, he returned to his 
home in Norwich, Connecticut, bringing one of the 
Seneca chiefs with him. He was now ordained, and 
returned to his mission, where he spent more than forty 
years. The influence which this mission had upon the 
interest of the country during the Revolution may be 
learned from an extract of a letter of Washington to 
Congress in 1775 : " The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, the bearer 
of this, having been introduced to the Honourable Con- 
gress, can need no particular recommendation from me. 
But as he now wishes to have the affairs of his mission 
and public employ put upon some suitable footing, I 
cannot but intimate my sense of the importance of his 
station, and the great advantages which have and may 
result to the United Colonies from his situation being 
made respectable. All accounts agree that much of the 
favourable disposition shown by the Indians may be 
ascribed to his labour and influence." 

The founding of Hamilton College is due to the far- 
seeing generosity of Mr. Kirkland. It was through his 

[98] 



1765. 

influence that Hamilton Oneida Academy was founded 
and incorporated in 1793. In the same year he conveyed 
to its Trustees several hundred acres of land. In 181 2 
this academy became Hamilton College under a new- 
charter. 

Mr. Kirkland was admitted to a Master's degree at 
Yale in 1768, and at Dartmouth in 1773. He died Feb- 
ruary 28, 1808. 

Alexander Mitchel received his license from the 
First Presbytery of Philadelphia, in April, 1767, and was 
ordained and settled as pastor of the Deep Run Presby- 
terian Church, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in Novem- 
ber, 1768. In 1785, he received a call from the Upper 
Octorara and Doe Run Congregations, Pennsylvania, 
and was installed December 14, 1785. In 1795, a diffi- 
culty arose in the congregation of Octorara, on account 
of Mr. Mitchel's preaching against church members en- 
gaging in worldly amusements, and on this account, he 
resigned the charge in 1796. He still continued the pas- 
tor of Doe Run, where he remained until 1809, when, by 
reason of advancing years, he was unable to minister to 
them. He died December 6, 18 12. 

Robert Og'd-en, a son of Robert Ogden, of Elizabeth- 
town, New Jersey, became a distinguished patriot and 
Christian. He, in connection with William Paterson, 
Luther Martin, Oliver Ellsworth and Tapping Reeve, 
were the founders of the Cliosophic Society. After grad- 
uating, he studied law with Richard Stockton, and was 
admitted to practice June 21, 1770. He opened his office 
in Elizabethtown, and soon acquired an extensive and 
lucrative practice. 

Mr. Ogden was a warm and earnest patriot. He was 
also a fine scholar, and kept up his classical reading after 
entering upon his profession. 

Jonathan Ogden also came from Elizabethtown, to 

[99] 



which place he returned after graduation. He never en- 
tered a profession. 

Ebenezer Pemberton was probably born in Bos- 
ton. He pronounced the Valedictory on Commencement 
day, on " Patriotism." He was appointed a tutor in the 
college in 1769. On one of the public occasions, while 
he was a tutor, he was addressed by Madison, then a 
student, in a Latin address, valedictory and complimen- 
tar)% on the part of the class, to the teacher. His life 
was devoted to teaching, at one time in Phillips' Aca- 
demy, and no teacher had a higher character for scholar- 
ship, manners, eloquence and piety. His last twenty 
years were years of infirmity. He was elegant and dig- 
nified in his appearance, and refined in his manners and 
utterance. 

Mr. Pemberton was admitted to an ad eundem Master's 
degree at Harvard in 1787, at Yale in 1781, and at Dart- 
mouth in 1782. In 1817, he received the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Laws from Allegheny College. He died 
June 25, 1835. 

David Ramsay was a Pennsylvanian by birth. After 
leaving Princeton, he studied medicine, and settled in 
Charleston, South Carolina, where he rose to emmence. 
During the Revolution he was a determined Whig, and 
a leading member of the Legislature. He also acted as 
a Surgeon in the army. From 1782 to 1786, he was a 
Delegate to the Continental Congress, and was for a time 
President pro tern. His first wife was the daughter of 
President Witherspoon. He met his death b)^ a pistol- 
shot, at the hands of an insane man, in 181 5. Dr. Ram- 
say is chiefliy celebrated for his historical works. 

His published : A History of the Revolution in South Carolina, 2 vols., 
8vo, 1785. History of the American Revolution, 2 vols., 8vo, 1789. Re- 
view of the Improvement, etc., of Medicine, 1800. The Life of Washington, 
1807. Medical Register, 1802. Oration on the Acquisition of Louisiana, 
1804. History of South Carolin 2 Is., 8vo, 1809. A Biographical Chart. 
Memoirs of Martha L. Ramsa)-, 181 1. Eulogium on Dr. Rush, 18 13. His- 

[ 100 ] 



1765- 

tory of the United States, 3 vols., 18 16-18 17. Universal History Ameri- 
canized, 8 vols. 1819. 

Theodore Dirck Romeyn studied theology, and 
became a minister in the Reformed Dutch Church. He 
was first settled in Ulster County, New York, and after- 
wards at Hackensack, New Jersey. In November, 1784, 
he removed to Schenectady, New York, and in 1797 was 
appointed Professor of Theology of the Dutch Church. 
The establishment of Union College is principally as- 
cribed to his efforts. He is represented to have been a 
*' son of thunder" in the pulpit. Mr. Romeyn was born 
in New Barbadoes, New Jersey. He died April i6, 1804. 

Jacol) Rush was a brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush. 
On Commencement day he pronounced an oration on 
Liberty, and his class-mate, Pemberton, one on Patriot- 
ism, showing the tendency of the young American mind 
even at that early day. Mr. Rush entered the profession 
of the law, and rose to a distinguished position. He 
was for many years presiding Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas for Philadelphia. He was afterwards 
Chief Justice of the State. He died in 1820. 

Judge Rush published ; Resolve in Committee Chamber, Philadelphia, 
1774. Charges on Moral and Religious Subjects, 1803. Character of 
Christ, 1806. Christian Baptism, 1819. 

John Staples was a native of Taunton, Massachu- 
setts, and was a lineal descendant of Miles Standish. He 
entered the ministry of the Congregational Church, and 
was ordained April 17, 1772, and installed as pastor of 
the Church at Westminster, Connecticut. He remained 
in this charge until his death, which took place February 
15, 1804. He was much beloved by his people, and was 
a faithful and successful preacher of the Gospel. A son 
of Mr. Staples was a lawyer of some note in New York 
City, and for many years an Elder in the University 
Place Presbyterian Church. 



Alexander Thayer became pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church at Paxton, Massachusetts, November 28, 
1770. During the Revolution he was suspected of fa- 
vouring the British cause, and although these suspicions 
were groundless, )'et for the sake of peace in his congre- 
gation, he resigned his charge August 14, 1782, and re- 
moved to Holliston, Massachusetts' where he ended his 
days. 

Jacob Vanartsdalen, a native of Somerset County, 
New Jersey, w^as ordained by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, June 19, 1771 ; in which connection he re- 
mained until the latter part of 1774, when he was received 
by the Presbytery of New York and put in charge of the 
Church of Springfield, New Jersey. He continued in 
the orderly and faithful performance of the duties of the 
office, as far as his health permitted, for more than a 
quarter of a century. In the spring of 1797, and again 
three years later, he was by reason of long continued 
illness, disqualified for preaching. He was at length 
compelled to relinquish the pastoral office, and was dis- 
missed from his charge, May 6, 1801. From 1793 to 
1802 Mr. Vanarstdalen w^as a Trustee of the College. He 
died at Springfield, October 24, 1803. 

Stephen Voorhees (or Van Voorhis) was licensed 
by the General Meeting and Elders of the Reformed 
Dutch Church in 1772, and was ordained and settled at 
Poughkeepsie, New York in 1773, where he remained 
until 1776. From 1776 to 1784 he was pastor of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church at Rhinebeck Flats ; and from 1785 
to 1788 at Philipsburg (Tarrytown) and Cortlandtown, 
New York. In 1792 he joined the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, and preached as a supply at Kingston and 
Assunpink, New Jersey. He died November 23, 1796. 

Simeon Williams was a native of Easton, Massa- 
chusetts. After graduating, he studied theology, and 

[ 102 ] 



was installed pastor of the Second Congregational Church 
at Weymouth, Massachusetts, October 27, 1768, where 
he remained until his death, which occurred May 22, 
1 8 19. Mr. Williams was admitted to a Master's degree 
at Harvard in 1769. 

[ 103 ] 



1766. 

Waiglitstill Avery was a native of Norwich, Con- 
necticut. After graduating, he removed to Maryland, 
and studied law with Littleton Dennis, Esq. Removing 
to North Carolina, he was admitted to the Bar of that 
State in 1769. Taking up his residence in Charlotte, he 
soon acquired friends and rapid promotion, and was from 
the beginning active in encouraging education and liter- 
ature. The Minutes of the Council of Safety show his 
zeal in the cause of liberty ; and the confidence of his 
countrymen in his talents is proved by the important 
duties he was engaged to perform. With Ephraim Bre- 
vard and Hezekiah James Balch, he was one of the lead- 
ing spirits that sent forth the Mecklenberg Resolutions. 
He served many times in the Legislature of his State, 
and from 1775 to 1777 he was in the Provincial Congress 
of North Carolina. In 1777 he was appointed the first 
Attorney-General of the State. In 1 781, by order of 
Cornwallis, his office, Avith all his books and papers, was 
destroyed by fire. He was an exemplary Christian, a 
pure patriot and an honest man, and at the time of his 
death the oldest member of the North Carolina Bar. He 
died in 1821. 

Hezekiah Balch was born in Maryland, but re- 
moved, while a child, with his father's family to North 
Carolina. For some time after his graduation, he taught 
a school in Fauquier County, Virginia. Mr. Balch was 
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle, in 
1768, and ordained in 1770. At first he performed mis- 
sionary work in Virginia, and for one year, he preached 
in York, Pennsylvania. In 1784 he removed to Tennes- 

[ 104 ] 



1766. 

see, then a vast wilderness, and, by reason of age and ex- 
perience, took the lead in organizing churches. In his 
work in Tennessee he was closely associated with the 
Rev. Samuel Doak, another graduate of Princeton. About 
the year 1793 Mr. Balch conceived, matured, and com- 
municated to some of his friends the plan of Greenville 
College, and obtained a charter for the same in 1794. 
The next year he visited New England to collect funds 
for the institution, which visit occasioned a theological 
controversy which gave a somewhat polemical character 
to his whole life. Mr. Balch's exertions in behalf of edu- 
cation gave an impulse to the cause through the whole 
south-western region. However imprudent he may have 
been in many things, he deserves the gratitude of the 
county for his labour in behalf of a higher education. The 
degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by 
Williams College in 1806. 

Dr. Balch died full of labour, in April, 1810. 

Hezekiah James Balch, a native of Deer Creek, 
Hartford County, Maryland, was licensed by the Presby- 
tery of Donegal in 1768, soon after which he removed to 
North Carolina. He was one of the leaders in the Meck- 
lenburg Convention, and one of the committee that pre- 
pared the Resolutions adopted by that Convention. Mr. 
Balch was the pastor of two churches, Rocky River and 
Poplar Tent. He saw the commencement of that war 
which ended with all the honour and independence to his 
country he ever desired ; but before the strife of blood and 
plunder that followed the Declaration of Independence 
reached Carolina, he slept with those whose sleep shall 
not be awakened till the resurrection. He died in 1776. 

Ebenezer Cowell was probably a brother of David 
Cowell, M.D., of the class of 1763. He was a lawyer in 
Trenton, New Jersey. 

Samuel Edmlston, after leaving College, studied 

[ 10s ] 



1766. 

Medicine and practiced at Fagg's Manor, Pennsylvania. 
Dr. Edmiston married a daughter of Rev. Samuel Blair, 
of Fagg's Manor. Four other graduates of Princeton 
married daughters of Dr. Blair : George Dufifield, of the 
class of 1752; David Rice, of the class of 1761 ; John 
Carmichael, of the class of 1759, and William Foster, of 
the class of 1764 ; all of them distinguished clergymen. 

Oliver Ellsworth was born in Windsor, Connecticut, 
April 29, 1745. Soon after his graduation he began teach- 
ing and the study of theology, but soon relinquished both 
for the law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1771. About 
1775, he removed to Hartford, and soon after was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General of the State. He was in the 
Legislature which assembled a few days after the battle 
of Lexington. In 1777 he was chosen a delegate to the 
Continental Congress, but did not take his seat until 
October, 1778. In 1780, he was a member of the Coun- 
cil of Connecticut, and continued a member of that body 
till 1784, when he was appointed a Judge of the Superior 
Court. In 1787 he was a member of the Convention 
which framed the Constitution of the United States. In 
an Assembly, illustrious for talent, erudition and patriot- 
ism, he held a distinguished place. In 1789 he was 
chosen a United States Senator, which place he filled till 
1796, when he was appointed Chief Justice of the United 
States. Here he presided with great dignity and wis- 
dom. In 1799, he was appointed by President Adams 
Envoy Extraordinary to France, one of his two col- 
leagues. General Davie, being also a graduate of Prince- 
ton. With much reluctance he accepted this appoint- 
ment. While abroad, his failing health induced him to 
resign his high office of Chief Justice. 

Mr. Ellsworth was a model of a legislator and judge. 
His perceptions were unusually rapid, his reasoning 
clear and conclusive, and his eloquence powerful. He 
moved for more than thirty years in a most conspicuous 
sphere unassailed by the shafts of slander. 

[106] 



1766. 

In private life he was the personification of social and 
personal virtue. He was always unassuming and hurn- 
ble. His dress, his equipage and mode of living were 
regulated by a principle of republican economy. 

He was, above all, an exemplary Christian, having con- 
fessed Christ in his youth ; and in every station he was 
not ashamed of his Gospel. His religion was practical 
and vital — always at the prayer meetings, and a life-long 
friend of Missions. 

His speech in the Convention of Connecticut in favour 
of the Constitution, is preserved in the American Mu- 
seum, c^t^^^^i- '^\_, , . 

Mr. Ellsworth died November 26, 1807. ^ ;;^^^^.^i»*^^vA^*^/^ 

Joseph Hasbrouck, of Huguenot descent, was born 
in the village of Kingston, New York. He never studied 
a profession, but settled on the old homestead as a farm- 
er. He was an ardent patriot and entered the Revolu- 
tionary army, in which he became a Colonel of Militia, 
and saw some service. He afterwards became a General 
in the State service. 

He was a man of fine personal appearance, dignified 
and courteous in his manners, of acknowledged ability 
and great influence in the community in which he re- 
sided. He accumulated and left a large inheritance to 
his family, who enjoy a high social position. One of his 
nephews, the Hon. A. Bruyn Hasbrouck, LL. D., was for 
some time President of Rutgers College. 

General Hasbrouck died February 26, 1808. 

David Howell, a native of New Jersey, removed to 
Providence, Rhode Island, and was for three years a tu- 
tor in the College of Rhode Island, (Brown University,) 
being the first ever appointed in that institution ; for nine 
years he was Professor of Natural Philosophy ; for thirty- 
four years Professor of Law ; for fifty -two years a mem- 
ber of the Board of Fellows ; and for many years Secre- 
tary of the Corporation. Though abundantly compe- 

[107] 



1766. 

tent to the task, he never delivered any lectures while 
he filled the chair of Professor of Law. Judge Howell 
practiced law in Providence for many years, and was 
among the most eminent members of the Rhode Island 
Bar. He represented Rhode Island in the Continental 
Congress from 1782 to 1785. In 1812, he was appointed 
United States Judge for the District of Rhode Island, 
and this office he sustained till his death. Judge Howell 
was endowed with extraordinary talents, and superadded 
to his endowments, extensive and accurate learning. As 
an able jurist he established for himself a solid reputa- 
tion. He was, however, yet more distinguished as a 
keen and brilliant wit, and as a scholar, extensively ac- 
quainted not only with the ancient, but with several of the 
modern languages. As an effective and pungent politi- 
cal w^riter, he was almost unrivalled ; and in conversa- 
tion, whatever chanced to be the theme, whether politics 
or law — literature or theology — grammar or criticism 
— a Greek tragedy, or a difficult problem in mathe- 
matics, he was never found wanting. He died July 9, 
1824. 

Daniel Jones. All that I can learn of Mr. Jones is 
that he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New 
Castle in 1769, and ordained in 1781. His name soon 
disappears from the Records of the Synod. 

Josiah Lewis was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New Castle in 1769, and ordained in 177 1. In the au- 
tumn of 1 77 1, he was preaching as a missionary in North 
and South Carolina, after which I can find no trace of 
him. 

Peter Van Brugh Livingston was probably the 
fifth child of Philip Livingston, the signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence. After graduating, he removed to 
Jamaica in the West Indies, and the family have no re- 
cord of his death. 

[ 108 ] 



1766. 

Daniel McCalla was born in Neshaminy, Pennsyl- 
vania. On leaving college he took charge of an academy 
in Philadelphia, and during his labours there, made him- 
self familiar with the science of medicine, mastered seve- 
ral of the modern languages, and pursued a course of 
theological study. In 1774, he was ordained by the First 
Presbyter}^ of Philadelphia, and installed as pastor of the 
churches at New Providence and Charleston, Pennsyl- 
vania. At the commencement of the war, he was ap- 
pointed by Congress a Chaplain (the only one they ever 
appointed) of General Thompson's Corps, under orders 
for Canada. Soon after his arrival, he was taken prison- 
er, and confined for some months in a loathsome prison- 
ship, and subjected to brutal treatment. At length he was 
released on parole, and returned to his congregation in 
1776. Soon after, he was charged with breaking his pa- 
role in praying for his country, and the danger becoming 
imminent, he escaped to Virginia, where he established 
an academy in Hanover County, and became pastor of 
the congregation made vacant by the removal of the 
Rev. Samuel Davies to Princeton. Mr. McCalla was 
eminently a social man, and perhaps not always discreet. 
Finding himself subject to censure, he left his position in 
Virginia in 1788, and removed to South Carolina, where 
he became pastor of an Independent Church at Wappe- 
taw. He remained pastor of this church until the close 
of his life, a dihgent student, and faithful pastor, a period 
of twenty-one years. The College of South Carolina 
conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Divinity. He died in May, 1809. 

Dr. McCalla published, A Sermon at the Ordination of James Adams, 
1799. In 1810 two volumes of his works were published, with notices of 
his life by Dr. Hollingshed ; these volumes contain nine sermons on differ- 
ent subjects. He published also Twenty Numbers of Remarks on the 
" Age of Reason " over the signature of " Artemas." Remarks on Gries- 
bach's Greek Testament. An Essay on the Excellency and Advantages of 
the Gospel. Remarks on the Theatre and Public Amusements, in thirteen 
numbers. Hints on Education, in fourteen numbers. The Sovereignty of 
the People, in twelve numbers. A Fair Statement and Appendix to the 

[ 109 1 



1766. 

same, in eighteen numbers, containing an address to President Adams. 
Servilit)'^ of Prejudice Displa)'^ed, in nine numbers. Federal Sedition and 
Anti-Democracy, in six numbers. A Vindication of Mr. Jefferson, in two 
numbers. The Retreat, a Poem. 

John MacPherson was a native of Philadelphia, his 
father, John MacPherson, being a resident of that city, 
and greatly distinguished in privateering in the war of 
1756. John MacPherson, the subject of this sketch, was 
an uncle of John MacPherson Berrien, of the class of 
1796. After leaving Princeton he read law in Philadel- 
phia with John Dickinson, author of the celebrated 
farmer's letter. When the war for independence began, 
he joined the army, and was an aid-de-camp of General 
Montgomery at the siege of Quebec, and fell at the same 
discharge of grape-shot by which his commander was 
killed, December 31,1 775 . There is an interesting incident 
connected with his fall Avhich deserves to be recorded. 
Major MacPherson had a brother William, who was an 
officer in the British service at this time, and who was as 
violent in favor of the English government, as his brother 
was enthusiastic in the cause of America. A few days 
before the attack, Major MacPherson accompanied Gen- 
eral Montgomery to view the spot where Wolfe had 
fallen ; on his return he found a letter from his brother, 
the English officer, full of the bitterest reproaches against 
him for having entered into the American service, and 
containing a pretty direct wish, if he would not abandon 
it, he might meet with the deserved fate of a rebel. 
Major MacPherson immediately returned him an answer, 
full of strong reasoning, in defence of his conduct, but 
by no means attempting to shake the opposite principles 
of his brother, and not only free from acrimony, but full 
of expressions of tenderness and affection ; this letter he 
dated, " from the spot where Wolfe lost his life in fighting 
the cause of England, in friendship with America^ 

The letter Jiad scarcely reached the officer at New 
York, before it was followed by the news of his brother's 
death. The effect was instantaneous ; nature and per- 

[iiol 



1766. 

haps reason prevailed. He instantly applied for permission 
to resign, unwilling to bear arms longer against his 
countrymen. This permission was granted ©n condition 
that he should not leave the British lines, within which 
he remained under the surveillance of a soldier ; being 
indulged, however, with the liberty of going in pursuit 
of ducks on the East river, attended by his guard. Hav- 
ing one day advanced some distance from the city, he 
put his gun to the head of the attendant, and ordered 
him to pull over to the Long Island shore, where he was 
received by a party of iVmericans. The fact becoming 
known to Congress, he received from that body a Major's 
commission, and sought every occasion of distinguishing 
himself in the service of his country until the close of 
the war. 

liUther Martin joined college from New Jersey. 
After his graduation he removed to Maryland, where he 
taught school until 1771, when he was admitted to the 
Bar. Removing to Virginia he practiced his profession 
in Accomac and Northampton Counties. He was soon 
regarded as one of the ablest lawyers at the Bar. He 
threw his whole strength on the side of American Inde- 
pendence, and by his bold speech and writings, animated 
the friends of the country. On the nth of April, 1778, 
he was appointed Attorney - General of the State of 
Maryland. In this office he displayed remarkable firmness, 
professional knowledge, and uncompromising energy, and 
increased his reputation as an advocate and jurist. In 
1804, he was employed in the defence of Judge Chase of 
the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1807 he 
was one of the counsel to defend Aaron Burr, who was 
his personal friend. In 18 14 he was appointed Chief 
Judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer for the City 
and County of Baltimore. In 1818 he was again ap- 
pointed Attorney - General of Maryland. He died in 
New York, July 10, 1826. 

As a lawyer. Judge Martin was learned, solid, and 

[ill] 



1766. 

second to no man among his contemporaries. He was 
not brilliant but solid. He was a man of warm heart 
and generous feelings, but in the discharge of his official 
duties he was vigorous and unyielding. In personal ap- 
pearance he was about the medium size, but stout and 
muscular. He usually wore a brown or blue dress-coat, 
with ruffles around the wrists after the ancient fashion, 
and his hair tied behind, hanging below the collar of his 
coat. He often appeared walking in the street with his 
legal documents close to his eyes for perusal, wholly ab- 
stracted from the world, and absorbed in his profession. 

Luther Martin was undoubtedly one of the ablest law- 
yers which our country has produced, and his name will 
descend to posterity among the brightest of those who 
have gained their reputation strictly at the bar. 

Nathaniel Niles, a son of Samuel Niles, of Brain- 
tree, Massachusetts, was born in South Kingston, Rhode 
Island, April 3, 1741. In college he held a high rank in 
general scholarship, but excelled more particularly in the 
exact sciences, and in metaphysics. He was an able 
debater, and especially skilled in the Socratic method of 
arguing. It was doubtless this trait which acquired for 
him and his brother Samuel, while at college, the appella- 
tion said to have been given them — Botheration Primus^ 
and Botheration Secundus. 

After his graduation, he devoted some time to the 
study of medicine. He was also for a while a student 
of law ; and was at one time a teacher in the city of New 
York. Among his pupils, to whom he taught the rudi- 
ments of English grammar, was Lindley Murray, after- 
w^ards the celebrated grammarian. 

Resolving to enter the ministry, he commenced the 
study of theology, under Dr. Bellamy, and in due time 
was licensed to preach the gospel. He had many invita- 
tions to settle, but through want of health declined them 
all, and was never ordained. 

He took up his residence in Norwich, Connecticut, and 

[112] 



1766. 

while there displayed his mechanical talent in the inven- 
tion of a method of making wire from bar iron by water 
power. This was the first invention of the kind in the 
United States. During his residence in Norwich he Avas 
several times a member of the Legislature of Connecti- 
cut. 

After the close of the Revolutionary war he removed 
to Vermont, and in 1784 he was speaker of the House of 
Representatives ; and for many years Judge of the 
Supreme Court. From 1791 to 1795 he represented 
Vermont in Congress. As a metaphysician and intellec- 
tual philosopher he had probably few superiors. When 
not absent on public business, he preached in his own 
house for twelve years. He was admitted to a Master's 
degree at Harvard in 1772, and at Dartmouth in 1791. 

Mr. Niles was one of the most able and vigorous 
writers of his day. He wrote the " American Hero," a 
celebrated sapphic ode, which was set to music, and v^as 
the war song of the Revolution. He published four dis- 
courses, on Secret Prayer in 1773; two on Confession 
and Forgiveness ; two on the Perfection of God the Foun- 
tain of Good, 1777; a Sermon on Vain Amusements; 
and a letter on the power of sinners to make new hearts, 
1809. He also wrote largely for newspapers and maga- 
zines. He maintained his studious habits through life, 
and in his latter days spent much time in reading the 
Septuagint Version of the Bible. He died in the utmost 
tranquillity, October 31, 1828. 

James Power was born in Chester County, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1746. He was one of the students who visited 
President Finley on his death-bed in Philadelphia; and 
the affecting scene left a powerful and enduring impres- 
sion on his mind. 

Mr. Power was licensed by the Presbytery of New 

Castle, June 24, 1772. The next year he travelled, and 

preached in Virginia. In 1774 he crossed the mountains 

and spent three months as a missionary in Western 

8 [,13] 



1766. 

Pennsylvania, after which he returned to the East and 
supplied a church in Maryland. In 1776 he was ordained, 
and removed permanently to Western Pennsylvania, and 
after supplying various churches, was installed pastor of 
Mount Pleasant and Sewickly churches in 1779. In 1787 
his connection with the Sewickly church v/as dissolved ; 
and from that time until April, 181 7, he devoted himself 
to the Mount Pleasant Church, when, on account of age 
and infirmity, he gave up his charge. He received the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jefferson College in 
1808. 

In person. Dr. Power was slender, erect, and of me- 
dium size. His manners were easy and graceful, and 
free from affectation. In his dress, he was always plain, 
and, at the same time, extremely neat ; so that it was a 
matter of surprise that he could ride on horseback ten or 
fifteen miles in a rough country, over muddy roads, and 
yet appear in the pulpit, or rather on a preaching-stand 
in the woods, as neat and clean as if he had the minute 
before come from his toilet. He always rode a good 
horse, and it was believed he was a good judge of that 
animal, and that he selected one with such a movement 
as would not throw mud or dust on the rider. In his 
conversation and manners he was dignified and precise, 
seldom if ever indulging in anything like wit or levity. 
And yet he was sociable, and far from being morose or 
censorious. His voice was not loud, but remarkably 
clear and distinct. His enunciation was so perfect, that 
the whole volume of his voice was used in conveying to 
his hearers the words he uttered. He always preached 
without notes, but his discourses were clear, methodical 
and evangelical. During the Revolution, Dr. Power 
lived in the midst of Indian wars and alarms. The 
church in which he preached was of logs, upon which 
no plane, hammer, saw nor nail were used. The win- 
dows were small openings cut in adjacent logs, and 
glazed with paper or white linen oiled with hog's lard or 
bear's grease. 

[114] 



1766. 

Such was one of our pioneer preachers in the West. 
To Dr. Power, with Thaddeus Dod and John McMillan, 
all graduates of Princeton, belongs the honour of firmly 
establishing the Presbyterian Church in the Western 
Wilderness. Dr. Power died at an advanced age in 
1830. 

Isaac Skillman, a native of New Jersey, after grad- 
uating, became a Baptist Minister, and in 1773 was 
chosen pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Boston. 
Here he remained until 1787, when he returned to New 
Jersey. In November 1790, he became pastor of the 
Baptist Church in Salem, New Jersey, where he re- 
mained until the close of his life, June 8, 1799. -^^ 
received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Rhode 
Island College in 1774. 

Dr. Skillman was a man of learning and ability, but 
never very popular as a preacher. 

Samuel Smith and William Smiitli were probably 
sons of Samuel Smith, of Burlington, New Jersey, who, 
in 1765, published his valuable History of New Jersey. 
I knOAV nothing of them after their graduation. 

Alplieus Spring was born in Massachusetts. He 
became a Congregational Minister, and settled at Eliot, 
Massachusetts, June 29, 1768. Mr. Spring died sud- 
denly, June 14, 1791. He was much beloved by his 
people, and highly respected by his brethren in the 
ministry. Mr. Spring was admitted to a Master's degree 
at Dartmouth in 1785. 

Benjamin Stelle was a son of the Rev. Isaac Stelle, 
pastor of a Baptist Church at Piscataway, New Jersey. 
Through the influence of President Manning, of Brown 
University, he went to Providence, Rhode Island, after 
leaving college, and established a Latin School. Here 
he met with encouraging success, giving great satisfaction 

["5] 



1766. 

to his patrons, and being highly esteemed throughout 
the community. In 1774 Mr. Stelle was admitted to a 
Master's degree at Rhode Island College. 

Micah Townsend came to college from Vermont, 
to which State he returned after his graduation, and soon 
became active in public affairs. In 1781 he was appointed 
Secretary of State, and in 1785 was elected one of the 
Council of Censors. In 1786, he was again Secretary of 
State. 

John WoodlitiU was born in Suffolk County, Long 
Island. He studied theology with the Rev. John Blair, 
and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 
1768, and commenced his career with much more than 
ordinary popularity. On one occasion, while preaching 
as a licentiate, sixty persons were hopefully converted by 
hearing him preach in a private house. He had many 
calls, but chose to settle at Leacock, Lancaster County, 
Pennsylvania, where he was installed August i, 1770. 
Mr. WoodhuU was a strenuous Whig, and while in this 
charge advocated the cause so eloquently from the pul- 
pit, that he succeeded in enlisting as soldiers every male 
member of his congregation capable of bearing arms, he 
going with them as chaplain. In 1779 he succeeded the 
Rev. William Tennent at Freehold, New Jersey. Dur- 
ing many years of his ministry he conducted a grammar 
school, and superintended the studies of young men pre- 
paring for the ministry. He was a Trustee of the Col- 
lege for forty-four years. Mr. WoodhuU received the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity from Yale in 1798. 

Joseph Woodman became a Congregational Minis- 
ter, and settled at Sanborn Town, New Hampshire, in 
1 77 1. He was released from his charge November 13, 
1806, and died in Sanborn Town, April 28, 1807. 



[>>6] 



1767. 

Francis Barber, a native of Princeton, New Jersey, 
after graduating, took charge of an Academy at Eliza- 
bethtown. New Jersey. The school soon became distin- 
guished. Alexander Hamilton was prepared for college 
under Mr. Barber. At the commencement of the Revo- 
lution he offered his services to the country, and on the 
9th of February, 1776, he was appointed, by the Legisla- 
ture, Major of the Third Battalion, New Jersey troops, 
and on November 8th was promoted to the rank of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel of the Third Regiment, and on January i, 
1777, he received his commission from Congress. Soon 
after this he was appointed Assistant Inspector-General 
under Baron Steuben. 

Colonel Barber was in constant service during the 
whole war. Although a strict and rigid disciplinarian, 
always scrupulously performing his own duty, and re- 
quiring it from all under his command, yet so bland were 
his manners, and his whole conduct so tempered with 
justice and strict propriety, that he was the favourite of 
all the officers and men, and highly valued by Wash- 
ington. 

Colonel Barber was in many battles. He served in 
the Northern army under General Schuyler ; was at the 
battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown 
and Monmouth, and in the latter was severely wounded. 
In 1 779 he served as Adjutant-General with General Sul- 
livan in his memorable expedition against the Indians, 
where he distinguished himself and was again wounded. 
In 1780 he was conspicuously engaged with the army in 
New Jersey, and was at the battle of Springfield. In 
1 78 1 he accompanied the Jersey line to Virginia, and 

[117] 



1767. 

was at the investment and capture of the British at York- 
town. 

The day on which the Commander-in-Chief intended 
to communicate the joyful intelligence of Peace to the 
army, a number of the officers, with their families, were 
invited to dine with him, and among others. Colonel Bar- 
ber and his wife. He was acting at the time as officer of 
the day in place of a friend. While on duty, and passing 
by the edge of a wood where some soldiers were cutting 
down a tree, it fell on him, and both rider and horse were 
instantly crushed to death. 

Ricliard Devens. The parents of Mr. Devens re- 
sided in Charlestown, Massachusetts, where he was born 
October 23, 1749. His friends seeing signs of a remarka- 
ble intellect in the boy, prevailed upon his parents to 
give him an education, and he was sent to Princeton. At 
his graduation he stood at the head of his class. For 
three years he was engaged in teaching in various 
schools in New York and New Jersey. In 1770 he was 
appointed tutor in the College, where he remained until 
1774, when in consequence of too close and intense appli- 
cation to his studies, he became insane. 1 do not dis- 
cover that he ever recovered his reason. Previous to 
this he had written " A Paraphrase on some parts of the 
Book of Job," which gave evidence of a high poetical 
talent. From the appearance of the manuscript it seems 
to have been an unfinished work, and written probably 
for the author's private amusement. It was published by 
his friends in Boston in 1795, at which time Mr. Devens 
was still living. 

IN'atlianiel Ramsay, a brother of David Ramsay, 
the Historian, after graduating, studied law and became 
eminent in his profession. When the war of the Revolu- 
tion began, Mr. Ramsay, full of patriotic ardour, joined 
the Maryland line as a Major, and soon rose to the rank 
of Colonel. At the battle of Monmouth, when our army 

[118] 



1767. 

was pressed by the enemy advancing rapidly, General 
Washington asked for an officer; Colonel Ramsay pre- 
sented himself; the General took him by the hand and 
said, ** If you can stop the British ten minutes, till I can 
form, you will save my army." Colonel Ramsay answer- 
ed, " I will stop them or fall." He advanced with his 
party, engaged and kept them in check for half an hour ; 
nor did he retreat until the enemy and his troops were 
mingled, and at last, in the rear of his troops, fighting 
his way, sword in hand, fell pierced with many wounds 
in the sight of both armies. 

From 1785 to 1787 Colonel Ramsay represented Mary- 
land in the Continental Congress. He resumed and con- 
tinued the practice of law in Baltimore until his death, 
which occurred, October 24, 181 7. 

William Schenck was a native of Allentown, New 
Jersey. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick in 1771 and ordained in 1772. After preach- 
ing at various places in New York and New Jersey, he 
was finally settled, in 1780, at Pittsgrove and Cape May, 
where he remained until 1787, when he removed to Ball- 
ston. New York. Towards the close of 1793 he removed 
to Huntingdon, Long Island, and was installed pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church, December 27th of that year. 
In 1817 he left Huntingdon and removed to Franklin, 
Ohio, where he was pastor for several years, and died 
September i, 1822. Mr. Schenck was the grandfather of 
the Hon. Robert C. Schenck, Minister to Great Britain. 
He was a dignified, excellent man, though not distin- 
guished as a great or popular preacher. His labours 
were acceptable, and his church received large accessions 
under his ministry. 

Samuel Whitham Stockton was a brother of the 
elder Richard Stockton. In 1774 he went to Europe as 
Secretary of the American Commission to the courts of 
Austria and Prussia. While abroad he negotiated a 

[119] 



1767. 

treaty with Holland. He returned to New Jersey in 
1779, where he held various public offices. In 1794 he 
was Secretary of State of New Jersey. Mr. Stockton 
lost his life in being thrown from a carriage in the streets 
of Trenton, June 27, 1795. 

Hugh Vance received his license to preach from, 
Donegal Presbytery about 1771, and in 1772 was or- 
dained and settled as pastor of Tuscarora and Back 
Creek Churches in Virginia. The only notice that I find 
of him after this, is in the journal of Rev. William Hill, 
kept while on a missionary tour soon after his licensure. 
He records under the date of September 17, 1791, " Vis- 
ited Mr. Vance, who was upon the borders of the grave 
in the last stage of consumption." The next day he 
preached for Mr. Vance to a small audience, and records : 
" Mr. Vance rode out, and lay in one of the pews while I 
preached." He died December 31, 1791. 

[120] 



1768. 

Kobert Blackwell was the son of Jacob Francis 
Blackwell of Long Island, New York, and descended 
of an ancient family originally of England. The subject 
of this notice was born May 6, 1748. After his gradua- 
tion he entered upon theological studies with a view of 
entering the ministry of the Church of England, and June 
II, 1772, he was ordained a Deacon in the chapel of Ful- 
ham Palace, near London, by Bishop Richard Terrick ; 
and subsequently to the order of the priesthood. Re- 
turning to the Provinces, he was stationed in the south- 
ern part of New Jersey as a missionary of the Society for 
the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ; in this 
capacity officiating at Gloucester and Waterford, and 
Greenwich. The war of the Revolution of course broke 
up the operations of the Propagation Society in the 
Provinces, and most of its missionaries returned to Great 
Britain. The family of Mr. Blackwell, who were consid- 
erable proprietors of land on Long Island, having es- 
poused the cause of the colonies, he naturally did the 
same. A certificate of General Anthony Wayne, now 
before us, testifies that he was '' Chaplain to the First 
Pennsylvania Brigade and surgeon to one of the regi- 
ments in the year 1778, and that he took and subscribed 
the oath as directed by Congress, at the Valley Forge, in 
common with other officers of the line." 

In 1 78 1, the Rev. Mr. Coombe, one of the Assistant 
Ministers of the United Churches of Christ Church and 
St. Peter's, Philadelphia, having retired to England in 
1778, owing to the continuance of the Revolution, Mr. 
Blackwell was called to his place. He was accordingly, 
from 1 78 1 till 1 8 II, Senior Assistant Minister, and during 

[ 121] 



1768. 

the closing years of the War of Independence, one of the 
only two clergymen of the Church of England, whom the 
desolations of those times left in the extensive State of 
Pennsylvania. His friend and ministerial associate of 
thirty years, the Rev. William White, afterwards Bishop 
of the Diocese, being the other. 

A cenotaph inscription designed for a tablet on the 
east exterior end of St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, 
over the vault of William Bingham, in which Dr. Black- 
well with his daughter and several of his descendants is 
buried, thus speaks of him: "In the Councils of the 
Church which he assisted to found in these United 
States, and in the earliest and most important of whose 
conventions, both General and Diocesan, he was a con- 
stant participator, he acquired general respect by his 
adherence to principle, his temperateness of conduct, 
and the practical wisdom of all his suggestions. 

*' In the sphere of Parochial Charge he was distinguish- 
ed by propriety of life, and by the sincerity of feeling, the 
clearness of argument and soundness of scholarship, with 
which in the spirit of charity he inculcated the duties 
and doctrines of religion. Blessed in his private station 
with fortune above what is common to his profession, he 
gave a convincing proof of the effect on his own heart of 
those precepts which he urged upon others, in an unos- 
tentatious but constant and liberal charity towards the 
poor ; from whom his face was never turned away, nor 
any petitions for relief addressed in vain. He was not 
more respectable in his public and sacred office, than 
amiable and engaging in social and domestic life. A 
fine person and benignant countenance, with a natural 
sweetness of temper and delicacy of feeling, united 
to manners refined by early associations, and made 
liberal by foreign travel, and intercourse with military 
life and character rendered him eminently agreeable 
to all." 

Dr. Blackwell died February 12, 1 831, in his eighty- 
third year. 

[122] 



1768. 

Epliraim Brevard was of Huguenot extraction. 
After graduating, he returned to his home in North 
Carolina and studied medicine, and entered upon prac- 
tice. He is especially distinguished for the part he took 
in the Mecklenburg Convention, where, beyond question, 
he was the leading spirit. The evidence is pretty clear 
that he drafted the Resolutions which have become so 
noted, as a copy was found in his handwriting among his 
papers. The papers which he drew up entitled " In- 
structions for the delegates of Mecklenburg County, pro- 
posed to the Consideration of the County," containing 
seventeen articles, will not suffer in comparison with any 
political paper of the age. Democratic republican prin- 
ciples are announced in their full extent — complete pro- 
tection and extensive suffrage. The most remarkable 
articles are those which assert religious liberty. The 
merit of Ephraim Brevard is, not that he originated these 
principles, or was singular in adhering to them, but that 
he embodied them in so condensed a form, and expressed 
them so well. 

When the British forces invaded the Southern States, 
Dr. Brevard entered the army as surgeon, and was 
taken prisoner at? the surrender of Charleston, May 
12, 1780. His sufferings and the sufferings of those 
taken prisoners at the same time, were extreme, and 
had it not been for the tender care of some patri- 
otic women, among whom was the mother of An- 
drew Jackson, would have been unbearable. As it 
was multitudes perished, and Ephraim Brevard con- 
tracted a wasting fever which soon brought him to 
his end. He gave ''life, fortune, and most sacred hon- 
our " in his country's service. The first was sacrificed ; 
the last is imperishable. He died towards the close 
of 1780. 

A British officer was once asked why he plundered the 
farm and burnt the house of widow Brevard, the mother 
of Ephraim ; the answer was '' She has seven sons in the 
rebel army." 

[123 ] 



1768. 

Pierpont EdAvards, a son of President Edwards, 
studied law, and was for many years distinguished at the 
Connecticut Bar. At one time he was Judge of the 
United States Court for the District of Connecticut. 
From 1787 to 1788 he was a member of the Continental 
Congress. 

Judge Edwards died April 14, 1826. 

William Churchill Houston was born in South 
Carolina. Before his graduation, he had charge of the 
grammar school of the college. In 1769 he was appointed 
tutor, and in 1771 he was elected Professor of Mathema- 
tics and Natural Philosophy in the college. In 1783 he 
resigned his Chair, having been previously admitted to 
the Bar. 

Removing to Trenton, he soon acquired a large prac- 
tice, notwithstanding his rigid adherence to the determi- 
nation that he would never undertake a cause which he 
did not believe to be just. Mr. Houston was five times 
elected to the Continental Congress — the first time in 
1779. ^^ w^s one of the three delegates of New Jersey 
to the body of Commissioners which met at Annapolis in 
1786, which resulted in suggesting the* Convention which 
framed the Constitution of the United States. He was 
appointed to that Convention, but declining health pre- 
vented his attendance. He died at Frankfort, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1788. 

Adlai Osborne was a son of Alexander Osborne, 
a colonel in the Colonial Army. After graduating, 
Mr. Osborne returned to his home in North Carolina, 
and was soon appointed Clerk of Rowan County, under 
Royal rule, and held the same office after the war until 
1809. He was a man of fine literary attainments, and an 
earnest advocate for eduqation. During the Revolution, 
he served as a colonel in the American Army. Mr. 
Osborne was one of the original Trustees of the Univer- 
sity of North Carolina. He died in 181 5. 

[ 124] 



1768. 

Thomas Keese was born in Pennsylvania in 1742. 
Removing- to North Carolina with his parents, when 
quite young, he was prepared for college by Rev. Joseph 
Alexander. Returning to South Carolina after his grad- 
uation, he studied theology, and was licensed by Orange 
Presbytery in 1773, and was ordained and installed over 
Salem Church in the same year. During the years 1780 
and 1 78 1, all public worship was suspended, and most of 
the town and country churches were burned, or made 
depots for the stores of the enemy. Mr. Reese was 
thereupon compelled to abandon the field, while many 
of his congregation were cruelly murdered. After the 
peace, Mr. Reese pursued his duties with an ardour and 
diligence rarely exceeded. In 1792 he accepted a call 
to two churches in Pendleton District, hoping to benefit 
his health by the change. Mr. Reese received the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity from Princeton in 1794. Dr. Reese 
held a conspicuous place among learned and good men. 
He was an accomplished scholar. His appearance in 
the pulpit was graceful and dignified, his style flowing 
and elegant. He was in the habit of writing out his 
sermons with great care, and seldom, if ever, took the 
manuscript in the pulpit. His flowing tears and often 
suppressed voice told the feelings of the heart anxious 
only for the salvation of souls and the glory of God. As 
a teacher, he had a peculiar faculty of communicating 
knowledge, and the happy talent of commanding respect 
without severity. For a period of five or six years of 
his life, and that, too, past the meridian, exclusive of his 
performing the regular duties of a pastor, preaching on 
the Sabbaths, and lecturing to the coloured part of his 
congregation, he superintended a small farm, and at- 
tended to a large classical school. He died in 1796. 

The publications of Dr. Reese are : An Essay on the Influence of Re- 
ligion in Civil Society, which is preserved in the American Museum. A 
Sermon on The Death of Christians is Gain, in \he "American Preacher," 
vol. i. A Sermon on the Character of Haman, in the "American Preacher," 
vol n. A Farewell Sermon. 



1768. 

Thomas Smith was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New Castle about 1772, and ordained and settled as pas- 
tor of Middleton and Pecander Churches in Delaware in 
1774. He died January 25, 1792. 

Isaac Story became a Congregational Minister, and 
settled at Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 1771. After 
preaching thirty years, he left the ministry and engaged 
in secular pursuits. He died in 18 16. 

Dr. Allen, in his Biographical Dictionary, confounds 
Mr. Story with his son, Isaac Story, Esq., a young lawyer 
of Marblehead and a graduate of Harvard, and credits 
to the father "An Epistle from Yarico to Inkle," which 
was written by the son. Dr. Sprague perpetuates the 
error in a note in his invaluable annals. 

The publications of Mr. Story are, according to Dr. Allibone : A Dis- 
course, Salem, 1795, 8vo. A Thanksgiving Sermon, 1796, 8vo. 

Elias Van Bunschooten received his license to 
preach in 1773, and settled over the Reformed Dutch 
Church at Schaghticoke, on the Hudson, where he la- 
boured until 1785, when he resigned. Oil the 29th of 
August of the same year he was installed over three 
churches in Orange County, New York. His parochial 
charge extended fifty miles, through which the settler's 
axe had forced a few rough horse tracks. In 1792 he 
gathered an additional church at the Clove, now Port 
Jervis, where he resided until 18 12, when, on account of 
the infirmities of age, he withdrew from active duties. 
He died January 10, 181 5. Mr. Van Bunschooten left a 
large legacy to Rutgers College. 

He was in person about six feet in height, erect and 
stately in his carriage, and was a man of great sternness 
of character. His manner in the pulpit was earnest and 
impressive, and his sermons highly evangelical. He 
preached both in Dutch and English. 



[126] 



1769. 

John Beatty, a son of the Rev. Charles Beatty, after 
studying medicine with Dr. Rush, entered the army as a 
private soldier, reaching, by degrees, the rank of Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel. In 1776 he fell into the hands of the enemy 
at the capture of Fort Washington, and suffered a long 
and rigorous imprisonment. In 1779 he succeeded EHas 
Boudinot as Commissioner-General of prisoners. After 
the war he settled at Princeton, where he practiced med- 
icine. He was at one time a member of the Legislature 
of New Jersey, and the Speaker of the Assembly. From 
1795 to 1805 he was Secretary of State of New Jersey. 
In 1783 and 1784 he was a member of the Continental 
Congress. From May, 181 5, until his death, he was Pres- 
ident of the Trenton Banking Company. He was also 
an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Beatty was 
President of the Company which built the noble bridge 
that unites Trenton to his native county in Pennsylvania, 
and on May 24, 1804, he laid the foundation stone of its 
first pier. He died April 30, 1826, full of honour. 

William Lawrence Blair was a son of the Rev. 
John Blair, who was at one time the Vice-President of 
the College, and acting President. He studied law after 
his graduation, and removed to Kentucky, where we lose 
sight of him. 

Mathias Burnet studied theology with Dr. Wither- 
spoon, and was ordained and installed pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Church at Jamaica, Long Island, by the Presby- 
tery of New York, April, 1775. Here he exercised his 
ministry during the whole of the Revolutionary war. 

r 127 ] 



1769. 

Unlike nearly all the Presbyterian clergy of the country, 
he never declared in favour of our Independence. It was 
generally understood that his sympathies were with the 
enemy. Hence, no doubt, it was that while Jamaica was 
occupied by the British army, he w^as permitted to exer- 
cise his ministerial functions without molestation. He 
left Jamaica in 1785, and was settled over a Congrega- 
tional Church in Norwalk, Connecticut ; in which year 
he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Yale. 
He continued in Norwalk until his death, which occur- 
red June 30, 1806. Dr. Burnet was a native of Bottle 
Hill, New Jersey. 

He published an Election Sermon. 1803. And two Sermons, one in the 
second and the other in the third volume of the " American Preacher." 1791. 

William Channing became a distinguished lawyer 
at Newport, Rhode Island, and was at one time United 
States District- Attorney for Rhode Island. He was the 
father of William Ellery Channing the elder. He died 
in 1793. 

John Davenport was the son of the Rev. James 
Davenport, of Southold, Long Island. He was ordained 
by the Presbytery of Suffolk, June 4, 1775, and served the 
Congregation in Southold, Long Island, for two years. 
On the I2th of August, 1795, he was settled at Deerfield, 
New Jersey, but resigned in 1805 on account of failing 
health. He died July 13, 1821. 

John Rodgers Davies, a son of President Davies, 
studied law and practiced in Sussex County, Virginia, 
but never rose to any eminence. He died in 1836. , 

Peter Dewitt studied theology under Dr. Living- 
ston, and was licensed by the General Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders of the Reformed Dutch Church in 1778. 
From 1787 to 1798, he was pastor of the Reformed Dutch 
Churches of Rhinebeck, Rhinebeck Flats, and upper Red 

[ 128] 



1769. 

Hook, New York, and from 1799 to 1809, he was pastor 
of the churches of Ponds and WyckofF, Bergen County, 
New Jersey. He died in 1809. 

John Henry represented Maryland in the Continen- 
tal Congress from 1 778 to 1 78 1, and again from 1784 to 1787. 
In 1789 he was elected to the first Senate of the United 
States under the Constitution. He had as fellow mem- 
bers two other graduates of Princeton — Oliver Ellsworth, 
of Connecticut, and William Paterson, of New Jersey. In 
1797 Mr. Henry resigned his seat in the Senate, having 
been elected Governor of Maryland. He died in De- 
cember, 1798. 

James Linn represented the State of New Jersey in 
Congress from 1799 to 1801, when he was appointed, by 
Mr. Jefferson, Supervisor of the Revenue. Mr. Linn was 
also for many years. Secretary of State of New Jersey. 
He died December 28, 1820. 

Thomas Melville was the son of Allan Melville, a 
merchant of Boston. Immediately after his graduation, 
he visited his relatives in Scotland, and during that visit 
he was presented with the freedom of the city of St. An- 
drews and of Renfrew. He returned to America in 1773, 
when he entered into mercantile life in Boston. In De- 
cember of that year he was one of the famous " Tea Par- 
ty." Mr. Melville took an active part in the Revolution- 
ary war, and as Major in Craft's regiment of Massachu- 
setts Artillery, was in the action in Rhode Island in 1776. 
Commissioned by Washington in 1789 as Naval Officer of 
the Port of Boston, he was continued by all the Presidents 
down to Jackson's time in 1829. To the time of his death 
he continued to wear the antiquated three-cornered hat, 
and from this habit was familiarly known in Boston, as 
the last of the Cocked Hats. 

There is still preserved a small parcel of the veritable 
tea, in the attack upon which he took an active part. 
9 [ 129 ] 



1769. 

This historic tea was found in his shoes the morning" after 
he returned from his expedition, and was sealed up in a 
vial, and Avas at one time in possession of Chief Justice 
Shaw, of Massachusetts. Mr. Melville died in 1832. 

Samuel Niles, a brother of Nathaniel Niles, of the 
class of 1766, was born at Braintree, Massachusetts, De- 
cember 14, 1743. Mr. Niles studied theology with Dr. 
Bellamy, and was licensed to preach November 7, 1770. 
He first supplied a church at Abington, Massachusetts, 
then preached in Boston for a short time, and then re- 
turned to Abington, and was installed September 25, 1771. 
Mr. Niles continued to preach here until 181 1, when he 
suffered a paralytic shock and was laid aside from work. 
He died January 16, 1814. 

Mr. Niles was endowed with superior intellectual and 
reasoning powers. He had a clear and profound knowl- 
edge of the truth, connection, harmony, and consistency 
of the first principles and essential doctrines of Christi- 
anity, and on this account became a most powerful and 
instructive preacher. His grave and dignified appear- 
ance in the pulpit, in connection with his truly genuine 
eloquence, could hardly fail to strike his audience wdth 
awe and reverence, and to render him one of the most 
popular preachers of his day. He was intimately ac- 
quainted with human nature, and could render himself 
agreeable in common intercourse with all classes of peo- 
ple ; but he was more especially entertaining in private 
circles, by the flashes of his wit, and his curious, amus- 
ing, striking and pertinent anecdotes. 

The publications of Mr. Niles are, Remarks on a Sermon by John Reid. 
181 3. A Sermon on the Death of Washington. 1800. A Sermon before 
the Massachusetts Missionary Society. 1801. 

Samuel Stanhope Smith, a son of Rev. Robert 
Smith, a distinguished clergyman of the Presbyterian 
Church, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 
March 16, 1750. After leaving college, he returned to 

[130] 



1769. 

his father's house, assisting him in a school, and giving 
special attention to Belles-Lettres, and Moral and Intel- 
lectual Philosophy. In 1770, he was appointed tutor at 
Princeton, where he remained three years. In 1773, he 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle. Feeling 
the need of a change of climate, he went as a missionary 
to Virginia, where he soon became a universal favourite ; 
persons without distinction of sect or of rank flocked' to 
hear him. Some of his most influential and wealthy 
friends resolved to retain him. in Virginia and place him 
at the head of a literary institution. Accordingly funds 
were soon collected, and the buildings were erected in 
Prince Edward County, and a Charter obtained under 
the name of Hampden Sidney College. While all this 
was going on, Mr. Smith was laboriously engaged in 
his missionary work. After a little time, having married 
the daughter of Dr. Witherspoon, he took his place at 
the head of the college. In 1779, he was invited to the 
Chair of Moral Philosophy at Princeton, which he -ac- 
cepted. On arriving at Princeton, he found the affairs 
of the college in a deplorable condition, occasioned by 
the war, and the occupation of Dr. Witherspoon in the 
higher affairs of the nation. Mainly by the energy, wis- 
dom and self-devotion of Mr. Smith, the college was 
speedily re-organized, and its usual exercises resumed. 
In 1782, his life was seriously threatened by hemorrhage 
from the lungs ; but he gradually recovered his usual 
health. In 1783, he received the honorary degree of 
Doctor of Divinity from Yale, and in 18 10, the degree of 
Doctor of Laws from Harvard. 

In 1794, Dr. Witherspoon died, and Dr. Smith suc- 
ceeded him in the Presidential Chair. Dr. A. Alexander 
who saw him about this time, said, " I have never seen 
his equal in elegance of person and manners. Dignity 
and winning grace were remarkably united in his ex- 
pressive countenance. His large blue eyes had a pene- 
tration which commanded the respect of all beholders. 
Notwithstanding the want of health, his cheek had a 

[131] 



1769. 

bright rosy tint, and his smile Hghted up the whole face. 
The tones of his elocution had a thrilling peculiarity, and 
this was more remarkable in his preaching, where it is 
well known that he imitated the elaborate polish and 
oratorical glow of the French school. Little of this im- 
pression can be derived from his published discourses, 
which disappoint those who do not know the charm of 
his delivery." 

His reputation as a pulpit orator at this time was very 
great. Visitors from Philadelphia and New York were 
accustomed to go to Princeton to hear his Baccalaureate 
Discourses, which were always of the highest order. In 
1802, when the institution was at the full-tide of its pros- 
perity, the college edifice was destroyed by fire, Avith the 
libraries, furniture, etc. Dr. Smith assumed the labour 
of collecting money to rebuild ; and he was successful in 
raising during the year, about $100,000 from the South- 
ern States, and much from other parts of the Union. 
This was his crowning achievement. In 18 12, through 
repeated strokes of palsy, he became too much enfeebled 
to discharge the duties of his office, and at the Com- 
mencement he sent in to the Trustees his resignation. 

He died August 21, 1819, in the utmost tranquillity, in 
the seventieth year of his age. 

The publications of Dr. Smith are : An Essay on the Causes of the Variety 
of Complexion and Figure of the Human Species ; to which are added Stric- 
tures on Lord Kaime's Discourse on the Original Diversity of Mankind, i vol. 
8vo, 1787. A Volume of Sermons, 8vo, 1799. Lectures on the Evidences 
of the Christian Religion, lamo, 1809 Lectures* on Moral and Political 
Philosophy, i2mo, 1812. A Comprehensive View of the Leading and Most 
Important Principles of Natural and Revealed Religion, 8vo, 1816. Ser- 
mons, to which is prefixed a Memoir of his Life and Writings, 2 vols. 8vo, 
1 82 1. A Funeral Sermon on the death of Richard Stockton, 1781. A Ser- 
mon on Slander, preached in Brattle Street Church, Boston, 1790. A Dis- 
course on the Nature and Danger of Small Faults, delivered in the Old 
South Church, Boston, 1790. Oratio Inauguralis, 1794. A Discourse on 
the Nature and Reasonableness of Fasting, and on Existing Causes that 
call us to that duty, i79S- The Divine Goodness to the United States of 
America ; a discourse delivered on a day of general Thanksgiving and 
Prayer, 1795. A Discourse delivered on the death of Gilbert Tennent 
Snowden, 1797. An Oration upon the death of General George Washing- 

[ 132 1 



1769. 

ton, 1800. A Discourse upon the Nature, the Proper Subjects, and the 
Benefits of Baptism, with a brief Appendix on the Mode of Administering 
the Ordinance, 1808. The Resurrection of the Body; A Discourse deliv- 
ered in the Presb)'terian Church in Georgetown, D. C, 1809. On the Love 
of Praise ; A Sermon delivered the Sunday preceding the Commencement, 
1810. 

Elihu Thay.er was born in Massachusetts. After 
leaving colle,c:e. he engaged for some time in teaching. 
Turning his ..itention to the ministry he was licensed, 
and supplied a church in Newburyport, Massachusetts, 
for some time. On the i8th of December, 1776, he was 
ordained as pastor over the Congregational Church in 
Kingston, New Hampshire. 

In 1 80 1, he was elected President of the New Hamp- 
shire Missionary Society. Mr. Thayer suffered all his 
life from ill-health. He was not only an excellent schol- 
ar in college, but he retained his relish for classical learn- 
ing to the close of life. He received the degree of Doc- 
tor of Divinity from Dartmouth in 1807. He died April 
3, 1812. 

A volume of Dr. Thayer's Sermons was published in 1813. 

David Zubley. It is probable that Mr. Zubley was 
a son of Rev. J. J. Zubley who was so conspicuous in 
Georgia at the opening of the Revolution, as I can find 
no traces of any other family of that name in the Colo- 
nies at that period. 

In 1775, David Zubley was a lawyer in Georgia, and 
was a Representative in the Provincial Congress of that 
State. He was also a member of the Committee of In- 
telligence appointed by that body. On the 14th of July, 
1775, he, as one of that Committee, signed a stirring pe- 
tition to the King in favour of the rights of the people. 
As Mr. Zubley 's name does not appear after 1776, it is 
probable that he sympathised with his father, and gave 
in his adherence to the king. He probably left the 
colonies. 

[ 133] 



I770. 

Samuel Baldwin was a native of New Jersey. Af- 
ter graduating he emigrated to South Carolina, and 
opened a school in Charleston. But the Revolution 
coming on, he took up arms during the attack of the 
British upon that city. After its capture he was a pris- 
oner in the hands of the enemy. Refusing to take the 
oath of allegiance, he was obliged to retire into the coun- 
tr3^ After the war, Mr. Baldwin returned to Newark, 
New Jersey, his native city, where he died at an ad- 
vanced age in 1850. 

Fredrick Frelinghiiysen was a son of the Rev. 

John F. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey. He was sent as 
a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775, from New 
Jersey when but twenty-two years of age. He resign- 
ed in 1777. He was a warm and active patriot. He en- 
tered the Revolutionary army as captain of a corps of 
artillery, and was at the battles of Trenton and Mon- 
mouth. He was afterwards engaged actively as a colonel 
of the militia of his native state. He also served in 
the Western Expedition as Major-General of the New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania troops. In 1793 he was elected 
to the Senate of the United States, and continued in that 
station until domestic bereavements, and the claims of 
his family, constrained him to resign in 1796. General 
Frelinghuysen stood also among the first at the Bar of 
New Jersey. He was the father of the Hon. Theodore 
Frelinghuysen. He died April 13, 1804, beloved and la- 
mented by his country and friends, leaving for his chil- 
dren the rich legacy of a life unsullied by a stain, and 
that had abounded in benevolence and usefulness. Gene- 

[134] 



1770. 

ral Frelinghuysen was a Trustee of the college from 1802 
until his death. 

Joshua Hart received ordination from the Presby- 
tery of Suffolk, April 2, 1772; and was installed pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church at Smithtown, Long Island, 
April 13, 1774. In the time of the war, being an ardent 
patriot, he suffered much from imprisonment by the 
British in the City of New York. He was dismissed 
from his charge September 6, 1787. Mr. Hart was never 
again settled, but continued to labour as he had oppor- 
tunity until his death, which occurred October 3, 1829, 
at the advanced age of 91. 

Azariah Horton was the son of Rev. Azariah Hor- 
ton, of South Hanover (Madison,) New Jersej'. In 
his will his father gave to him his " whole librar}' of 
books and pamphlets, except Flavel's works, Henry's and 
Dickinson's, and several hereinafter named. My two 
walking canes, and a silver spoon marked I. T. M ;" '' and 
my further wish is that my negro wench Phil! is, and her 
two sons Pompey and Pizarro, be sold, the money arising 
from the sale to be equally divided between my wife and 
son Foster, and daughter Hannah." Azariah received 
no share of the sale of the negroes. 

After graduating, Mr. Horton entered the American 
army, and is said to have been killed in battle. 

IN'athaniel Irwin a native of Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania, was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle 
in 1773, and preached awhile at Neshaminy, Pennsylvania. 
On November 3, 1774, he was ordained and installed as 
the pastor. Here he continued until his death. As a 
preacher he attained a high rank. He was clear, for- 
cible, fluent, and often deeply pathetic. Mr. Irwin was 
accustomed to ride to church on his "mare Dobbin," and 
Avas in the habit of " letting her have her head," as he 
called it — that is, letting the rein lie loose upon her neck ; 

[135] 



l-JJO. 

and she went slowly along while he prepared his sermon. 
Mr. Irwin was probably the most thoroughly scientific 
man of his day, in the county in which he lived ; and he 
took pleasure in making his knowledge practical and 
useful. He was the first man who took John Fitch (of 
steamboat memory), by the hand, and encouraged him in 
his scientific investigations. Mr. Irwin was very tall, and 
had a voice, the sound of which, produced alarm on a 
first hearing. He seemed to utter everything with the 
greatest sound he could command. Mr. Irwin left in his 
will one share of the stock of the Bank of Pennsylvania, 
to the Trustees of the College, the interest to be devoted 
to the best orator belonging to the Whig Society. He 
died March 3, 18 12. 

Thomas McPherrin received license to preach from 
the Presbytery of Donegal in 1773, and was ordained 
and settled as pastor of two churches in Pennsylvania 
in 1775. He remained in this charge until his death, 
February 4, 1802. 

John Cosins Ogden. For fifteen years after his 
graduation Mr. Ogden resided in New Haven. Having 
been ordained by Bishop Seabury, in 1786, he became 
Rector of an Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, where he remained until 1793, when his 
mind becoming deranged he gave up his charge. He 
died in Chestertown, Maryland, in 1800. Mr. Ogden was 
a native of New Jersey. 

Mr. Ogden published an Election Sermon, 1790. A Masonic Sermon. 
Letters. An Address. An Excursion into Bethlehem and Nazareth, Penn- 
sylvania, in the year 1799, with a succinct History of the Society of United 
Brethren, commonly called Moravians, Philadelphia, 1800. 

Nathan Perkins was born in Norwich, Connecticut, 
and was licensed to preach by the London Association, 
Connecticut. After preaching in various places, he was 
installed as pastor at West Hartford, October 14, 1772. 



I770. 

Here he laboured with great diligence and fidelity for 
sixty-six years. During his ministry he preached ten 
thousand sermons, and assisted more than one hundred 
and fifty students in their preparation for college. He 
had under his care, at different times, more than thirty 
theological students. In 1801 Princeton conferred upon 
him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 

Dr. Perkins was a man of highly respectable talents, 
good common sense, and uncommon prudence. He was 
kind, affectionate, and cheerful in his social and domestic 
relations, and a solemn, persuasive and affectionate 
preacher. He died January 18, 1838. 

In 1795, he published Twenty-four Discourses on some of the important 
and interesting truths, duties, and institutions of the Gospel, and the general 
excellency of the Christian Religion ; calculated for the people of God of 
every communion, particularly for the benefit of pious families, and the in- 
struction of all in the things which concern their salvation, i vol., 8vo. 
Three Sermons in the American Preacher, vol. iii., iv., 1793, 1794. Four 
Letters, showing the History and Origin of the Anabaptists, 1793. A Dis- 
course at the ordination of Calvin Chapin, 1794. Two Discourses on the 
Grounds of the Christian Hope, 1800, A Sermon at the ordination of 
Elihu Mason, 18 10, A Sermon at the interment of Rev. Timothy Pitkin, 
18 12. A Sermon on the State Fast, 1812. A Sermon at the interment of 
the Rev. Nathan Strong, D.D., 1816. A Half Century Sermon, 1822. 

Caleb Russell after graduating studied law, and was 
admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey, at the September Term, 1784. He died in 1805. 

Isaac Smltli studied theology, and settled as pastor 
of a Congregational Church at Gilmantown, New Hamp- 
shire, November 30, 1774. He died in 1817. 

John Smith was a native of Plainfield, Connecticut. 
He became a Congregational minister, and on the 22d of 
April, 1772, was settled at Dighton, Massachusetts. In 
1802, he became a Missionary in the neighbourhood of 
Canandaigua, New York. He gave a deed of six thous- 
and-acres of land to form a seminary of learning in Can- 
andaigua. Afterwards, Mr. Smith removed to Lycoming 

[^37] 



1770. 

County, Pennsylvania, where he remained till 1812, when 
he removed to Nelson County, Kentucky, acting as a Mis- 
sionary in both places. He died in Kentucky in 1820. Mr. 
Smith was the grandfather of Professor Henry B. Smith 
of the Union Theological Seminary, New York. 

Stephen Tracy was a native of Norwich, Connecti- 
cut. He was ordained in April, 1773, and settled as pas- 
tor of the Congregational Church in Peru, Massachusetts, 
where he remained until October 8, 181 5, when he was 
released from his charge. Mr. Tracy died May 14, 1825. 

Caleb Wallace on leaving college studied theology, 
and was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, 
April 3, 1774, and was ordained by the Presbytery of 
Hanover, and installed pastor of Cub Creek and Falling 
River Churches, Virginia. In 1779, ^® resigned his 
charge, and in 1783 emigrated to Kentucky. 

Abandoning the ministry, he entered the profession of 
the law, in w^hich he was successful, and became Judge 
of the Supreme Court of Kentucky. Mr. Wallace was a 
native of Virginia. 

Mathias Williamson was a native of Elizabethtown, 
New Jersey. After graduating, he studied law, and was 
admitted to the Bar in November, 1774; but the war 
commencing, he became an officer in the Commissary 
department. He died in Elizabethtown in 1836, aged 84. 

James Wilson received his license to preach from 
the Presbytery of New Castle in 1771, and was ordained 
in 1773. Mr. Wilson probably died soon after, as his 
name disappears from the roll of Synod. 

James Witherspoon, a son of President Wither- 
spoon, was a young man of great promise. He joined 
the American army as aid to General Nash, and • was 
killed at the battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777. 



I77I. 

Gunning Bedford became a lawyer, and soon rose 
to eminence in Delaware, his native State. In 1785 and 
1786 he was a member of the Continental Congress ; and 
in 1787 was a member of the Convention which formed 
the Constitution of the United States. 

While a student in college, Mr. Bedford married Miss 
Jane B. Parker, one of the most elegant and accomplished 
women of her times, who brought her first-born child to 
Princeton, leaving it in the care of Mrs. President With- 
erspoon, while she went to the church to hear her young 
husband's valedictory address at Commencement. Mr. 
Bedford was a personal friend of Washington, Franklin 
and other master spirits of the Revolution. In 1796, he 
was elected Governor of Delaware, and soon after was 
the first appointee of Washington to the United States 
District Court of Delaware, which position he held with 
distinguished honour until his death in March, 181 2. 

The house of Mr. Bedford was the resort of the wit, 
fashion and talent of the state and country. Distin- 
guished jurists, statesmen, clergj^men and civilians were 
guests at his fireside. Mr. Bedford was a consistent 
Christian, and for many years an Elder in the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

John Black, a South Carolinian by birth, was li- 
censed- by Donegal Presbytery, October 14, 1773, and 
was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church of Upper Marsh Creek, York County, Pennsyl- 
vania, August 15, 1775. On the loth of April, 1794, he 
was released from his charge, but continued to preach in 
various places without any regular settlement. Mr. 

[ 139] 



1771- 

Black possessed a high order of talent, and was especial- 
ly fond of philosophical disquisitions. He died August 
6, 1802, in the exercise of a triumphant faith. 

He published, A Discourse on Psalmody, in reply to Rev. Dr. John An- 
derson of the Associate Church. 

Hugh Henry Brackenridge came to this country 
from Scotland when quite young. He supported him- 
self while in the higher classes in college, by teaching the 
lower classes. In conjunction with his class-mate Philip 
Freneau, he wrote a poem in dialogue, between Acasto 
and Eugenio, on the Rising Glory of America, which he 
delivered at Commencement, and which was published 
the next year in Philadelphia. After graduation, he re- 
mained two years as a tutor, pursuing at the same time 
the study of theology. Mr. Brackenridge was licensed 
to preach by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1777, but 
resigned his license a few months afterwards. For seve- 
ral years after leaving the college, he taught school in 
Maryland, but in 1776 he went to Philadelphia, and sup- 
/ ported himself by editing the United States Magazine. 
An anecdote of this time is related by his son. On seve- 
ral occasions the Magazine contained strictures on the 
celebrated General Lee, in regard to his conduct to 
Washington. On a certain day, Lee called at the office 
of Mr. Brackenridge with two of his aids, with the in- 
tention of assaulting the editor. Knocking at the door, 
Mr. Brackenridge from an upper window inquired what 
was wanting. " Come down," said Lee, " and I will give 
you as good a horse-whipping as any rascal ever receiv- 
ed." " Excuse me, General," said the other, " I would 
not go down for two such favours." 

Mr. Brackenridge was in the habit of making political 
harangues to the army, six of which were published at 
the time in a pamphlet, which had a large circulation. 

In 1 78 1, Mr. Brackenridge established himself at Pitts- 
burg, from which city he was sent to the Legislature. 
He was closely associated with Albert Gallatin during 

[ ho] 



V 



1771. 

the Whisky Insurrection, and when that affair was over, 
he published, '' Incidents of the Insurrection in the West- 
ern parts of Pennsylvania, 1794." 

In 1786, Mr. Brackenridge published "Modern Chiv- 
alry ; or. The Adventures of Captain Farrago and Tea- 
gue O'Reagan, his servant." After an interval of ten 
years he published the second part. The whole, with 
his last corrections, was published in Pittsburg in 18 19. 
This political satire gave him great renown among the 
frontier men. 

In 1789, Mr. Brackenridge was appointed Judge of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. A few years before his 
death, he removed to Carlisle, where he died June 25, 
1816. 

Few men have combined a greater variety of brilliant 
qualities. He was a man of decided talents, with a com- 
manding person, an eagle eye, highly popular manners, 
and a mind richly stored with various learning. He had 
a profound knowledge of men, possessed great address, 
could reason clearly, and make the blood run cold by 
touches of genuine eloquence. His wit was rather deli- 
cate irony than broad humour, and always employed as 
the means of conveying some important truth, or correct- 
ing something wrong. 

Besides the publications already noted, Judge Brackenridge wrote "A 
Eulogium on the Brave Men who fell in the Contest with Great Britain, 
1779." "Gazette Publications Collected, 1806." "Laws of Miscellanies, 
containing instructions for the study of the law, 1814." 

Donald Campbell joined the American army from 
New York, and rose to the rank of colonel in the regular 
Continental line. He served during the whole war. 

Philip Freneau was born in the City of New York, 
on the second of January, 1752, being descended from a 
French Protestant family. He began to write verses 
very early, but it was while residing in New York in 
1774 and 1775, that he published those poetical satires on 



I77I- 

the royalists and their cause, which have transmitted his 
name to posterity. 

In 1776, he visited the Danish West Indies, where he 
wrote several of his best poems. Two years later he was 
at Bermuda; and in 1779 was in Philadelphia, superin- 
tending the publication of the United States Magazine. 
In 1780, he sailed in the ''Aurora" for St. Eustatia, but 
was captured in sight of Cape Henlopen by the British 
frigate Iris, and carried to New York and confined in a 
prison-ship, from which he eventually escaped. He sub- 
sequently became a sea captain, and made many voyages 
between 1784 and 1789, and 1798 and 1809. In 1790, he 
was editor of the Daily Advertiser in New York ; and in 
1 79 1 was appointed by Mr. Jefferson "interpreter of the 
French Language for the Department of State." 

In 1795, he set up his own press at Mount Pleasant, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey, and commenced the 
publication of his " New Jersey Chronicle," which he 
continued about a year. In 1797, he started in New 
York " The Time-Piece and Literary Companion." It 
was published three times a week, in a neat folio form. 
In 1798, Freneau's name disappears from the paper. 

Mr. Freneau's end was sad ; he was found dead about 
two miles from his house in New Jersey, having perished 
in a snow-storm. His death occurred December 18, 
1832, in the eightieth year of his age. 

The first collection of Mr. Freneau's Poems was published in Philadel- 
phia, in 1786. In 1795, a second edition appeared, and a third in 1809. ^ 
collection of poems connected with the war of 1812 and other subjects, in 
a vols., was published in New York. 

Dr. Francis, of New York, in relating his reminiscences of Freneau, re- 
marks, ** His story of many of his occasional poems was quite romantic. I 
told him what I heard Jeffrey, the Scotch Reviewer, say of his writings — 
that the time would arrive when his poetry, like that of Hudibras, would 
command a commentator like Grey." 

Charles McKnight, a son of the Rev. Charles 
McKnight, was born in Cranberry, New Jersey, October 
10, 1750. After graduating, he studied medicine with 

[ H2 ] 



I77I. 

Dr. William Shippen, of Philadelphia, of the class of 1754, 
and entered the army as a surgeon, where his abihties 
soon attracted the attention of the Commander-in-Chief, 
and procured his appointment to the office of Senior Sur- 
geon of the Flying Hospital of the Middle Department, 
in April, 1777. He was with the main army in all its 
movements, and the duties of his office he performed with 
signal ability. For some months in 1780 he acted as Sur- 
geon-General ; and from October i, 1780 to January i, 
1782, as Surgeon-General of the Middle Department. 
His talent, his zeal, his devotion to duty and his ardent 
patriotism rendered him conspicuous among the heroes 
of the Revolution. At the close of the war he settled in 
New York city, and became Professor of Anatomy and 
Surgery in Columbia College, where he delivered lec- 
tures on these two branches of medical science, and 
where he enjoyed the reputation of being the most emi- 
nent surgeon of his day. Dr. McKnight died November 
16, 1791. 

James Madison, the son of James Madison, of Or- 
ange County, Virginia, was born March 5, 175 1. Dr. 
Witherspoon remarked to Jefferson, in reference to Mad- 
ison, that in his whole course in college, he had never 
known him do or say an indiscreet thing. While in col- 
lege he was a laborious student, during a part of the 
course allowing himself but three hours out of the twenty- 
four for sleep. The state of opinion in the college in re- 
gard to the oppression of the colonies by Great Britain, 
may be learned from an extract of a letter from Madison 
to Thomas Martin, his former tutor, and himself a grad- 
uate of the class of 1762: ''We have no public news 
but the base conduct of the merchants of New York 
in breaking through their spirited resolution not to im- 
port. Their letter to the merchants in Philadelphia, re- 
questing their concurrence, was lately burned by the stu- 
dents of this place in the college yard, all of them appear- 
ing in their black gowns, and the bell tolling There 

[143] 



I77I- 

are about an hundred and fifteen in the college and in 
the grammar school, all of them in American cloth." 

After graduating, Mr. Madison spent about a year at 
Princeton, studying Hebrew with Dr. Witherspoon. On 
his return to his home, he applied himself to the study 
of theology and kindred sciences, and few have gone 
through more laborious and extensive inquiries to arrive 
at the truth. 

Mr. Madison entered upon public life in May, 1776, as 
a member of the Convention of Virginia which formed 
the first Constitution, and which instructed its delegates 
in Congress to prepare the Declaration of Independence. 
In October, 1776, he was elected to the Virginia House 
of Delegates. On December 14, 1779 he was appointed 
' a member of the Continental Congress, in which, al- 
though the youngest member, he immediately took a 
prominent position. In 1784 he was a member of the 
House of Delegates of Virginia, and stood the peer of 
such men as Patrick Henry and Henry Lee, and was the 
author of the resolutions inviting the other States to meet 
in Convention to form the Constitution of the United 
States. Mr. Madison took a conspicuous and di^stjn- 
guished part in the deliberations of that body, and was 
the chief framer of what was called the Virginia Plan, 
which in its substantial features forms our present Con- 
stitution. After the adjournment of the Convention, he 
contributed by his pen to the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion, and his articles in the Federalist place him among 
the foremost statesmen of the world. Mr. Madison was 
a member of the Federal Congress through the whole of 
Washington's administration. In 1799 he was again a 
member of the Virginia House of Delegates ; and in 1801 
was appointed by Mr. Jefferson Secretary of State, which 
position he held until 1809. 

So successful had Mr. Madison been in the conduct of 
foreign affairs, that the eyes of the nation were turned to 
him as the next President, to which elevated position he 
was elected by an overwhelming vote. In 18 17, having 

[H4] 



I77I. 

served two terms as President, he retired into private 
life. In 1826 he succeeded Mr. Jefferson as Rector of 
the University of Virginia, and in 1829 became a member 
of the Constitutional Convention of Virginia, his last pub- 
lic appearance. 

Mr. Madison held a high and honourable and unstained 
character, and his memory is venerated. Shortly before 
his death he penned these sentences of advice to his 
countrymen : " The advice nearest to my heart and dear- 
est to my convictions is, that the Union of the States be 
cherished and perpetuated. Let the avowed enemy to it 
be regarded as a Pandora with her box opened, and the 
disguised one as a serpent, creeping Avith deadly wiles 
into Paradise." 

Mr. Madison died June 28, 1836, aged 85. 

The publications of Mr. Madison consist of twenty-nine numbers of the 
Federalist, and other political papers. Notes on the Debates in the Con- 
vention to frame the Federal Constitution, published in 1840. A quarto 
volume of Correspondence, printed for private circulation. ^ 

There are enough of his unpublished manuscripts extant, to fil^ twelve 7 /— 

octavo volumes, ^c. ''.J^-- %/^*^^ -** ^^^ ^ /^^ ^ V t-^'^ ^ ^ oAA^^^^ ^^^ « 

Samuel Spring was born in Massachusetts. One 
interesting fact is related of him while in college. He 
was called upon on a certain occasion to explain and de- 
fend the Copernican System in the presence of the class ; 
when after proceeding awhile, he became overwhelmed 
with a sense of the Divine Majesty, and burst into tears; 
he was unable to proceed. In 1774 Mr. Spring was li- 
censed to preach, and immediately joined the Continen- 
tal army as a chaplain, and was in the severe campaign 
to Canada under Arnold. At the close of the year 1776, 
he left the army and began preaching at Newbury port, 
Massachusetts, where he was ordained and installed Au- 
gust 6, 1777. He remained at Newburyport until his 
death, March 4, 18 19. The honorary degree of Doctor 
of Divinity was conferred upon him in 1806 by Prince- 
ton. 

Dr. Spring was powerful in the pulpit, and in the fer- 
10 [ 145 1 



I77I. 

vency and simplicity of his prayers excelled most minis- 
ters. As a preacher he was remarkable for a clear and 
forcible illustration of divine truth. His written sermons 
were prepared with care and labour, and were always 
weighty and instructive. But his extemporaneous preach- 
ing was far more striking and powerful. It was here 
that he showed his superior strength to the best advan- 
tage. Few ministers enjoy as fully as he did the confi- 
dence, the attachment, and the veneration of his people ; 
and few exert so salutary and lasting an influence. Dr. 
Spring was the father of the Rev. Gardiner Spring, D.D., 
of New York. 

The publications of Dr. Spring are, A Thanksgiving Sermon. 1777. A 
Sermon on the Importance of Sinners coming immediately to Christ. 1780. 
A Sermon on the Ordination of Benjamin Bell. 1784. A Thanksgiving 
Discourse. 1798. A Sermon on the Death of Washington. 1799. -^ Ser- 
mon before the Massachusetts Missionary Society. 1802. A Discourse in 
consequence of the late Duel. 1804. A Sermon at the Ordination of Charles 
CoiBn, Jr. 1804. Two Discourses on Christ's Self-existence. 1805. A Ser- 
mon at the Ordination of Samuel Walker. 1805. An Address before the 
Merrimac Humane Society. 1807. A Sermon on the Death of Deacon 
Thomas Thompson. 1808. Two Sermons delivered on Fast Day. 1809. A 
Letter addressed to the Rev. Solomon Aikin, on the Subject of the Preced- 
ing Sermons. 1809. A Sermon at the Inauguration of the Rev. Dr. Grffin, 
as Professor at the Andover Theological Seminary. 1809. A Sermon at 
the Interment of the Rev. Samuel Noyes. 18 10. A Sermon on the United 
Agency of God and Man in Salvation. 18 17. A Sermon before the Ameri- 
can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 1818. A Sermon be- 
fore the Howard Benevolent Society. 1818. 

[ 146 ] ■ 



1772. 

Isaac Alexander, one of the Mechlenburg family 
of Alexanders, after graduating-, returned to North Car- 
olina and entered upon the study of medicine. In 1777 
an Isaac Alexander was the President of Liberty Hall 
Academy in North Carolina. I am not certain that this 
is our graduate, although it is likely from the fact, that 
twelve out of the sixteen Trustees, were graduates of 
Princeton. 

For many years he was an Elder in the Sugar Creek 
Presbyterian Church. 

Moses Allen was born in Northampton, Massachu- 
setts. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, February i, 1774. On March 10, 1775, he 
was ordained near Charleston, South Carolina, and in- 
stalled as pastor of an Independent Church at Wappe- 
taw. In 1777 he resigned his charge and removed to 
Liberty County, Georgia, where he took charge of the 
Midway Presbyterian Church ; but the next year his 
congregation was dispersed and his church burned. He 
therefore entered the army as chaplain, and at the cap- 
ture of Savannah was taken prisoner, and being obnox- 
ious to the enemy, on account of his patriotic exhorta- 
tions from the pulpit and his animated exertions in the 
field, he was confined closely in a prison-ship. Wearied 
with his confinement for weeks in that loathsome place, 
he determined to escape by swimming, but was drowned 
in the attempt on the night of February 8, 1779. Mr. 
Allen, notwithstanding his clerical function, appeared 
among the foremost in the day of battle, and on all occa- 
sions sought the post of danger as the post of honour. 

[H7 3 



1772. 

The friends of independence admired him for his popular 
talents, his courage and his many virtues. He was an 
eminently pious man. 

Robert Archibald. Of the early life of Mr. Archi- 
bald, little is known. After leaving Princeton, he studied 
medicine and afterwards theology, and was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Orange in the autumn of 1775. He 
was ordained and installed pastor of Rocky River Pres- 
byterian Church, North Carolina, October 7, 1778, and 
continued to hold this office till he was brought into 
difficulties for preaching erroneous doctrines, about the 
year 1792, for which, in 1794, he was suspended from the 
work of the ministry, and, in 1797, was solemnly de- 
posed. 

Mr. Archibald was a man of talent, of an amiable dis- 
position, and considered a good classical scholar; but 
was careless in his manners and extremely negligent in 
his dress and general appearance. Some domestic afflic- 
tions, fancied or real, preyed upon his spirits, and were 
the occasion of indulgence, to an unwarrantable degree, 
in intoxicating drinks. 

Mr. Archibald never returned to the communion of 
his church, nor retracted the errors for which he was de- 
posed. 

William Bradford, a grandson of William Brad- 
ford, the celebrated printer of Philadelphia, and son of 
Colonel William Bradford of the Revolutionary Army, 
was born in Philadelphia, September 14, 1755. He re- 
mained a year in Princeton after graduating, studying 
theology with Dr. Witherspoon. On returning to his 
home, he read law in the office of Edward Shippen ; but 
the Revolution commencing, he joined the army, and 
rose to the rank of Colonel, but declining health induced 
him to resign his commission in April, 1779. 

Returning to the study of the law, he was admitted to 
the Bar in the same year, and settled in Yorktown, Penn- 

[148] 



1772. 

sylvania. His marked ability soon attracted attention, 
and in 1780, when but twenty-three years of age, he was 
appointed Attorney-General of the State. He held this 
position for eleven years, and on the 22d of August, 1791, 
was elevated to the Supreme Bench of Pennsylvania. 
This office he held until 1794, when he was appointed b}^ 
Washington iVttorney - General of the United States, in 
which office he remained until his death, which occurred 
August 23, 1795, at Rose Hill, near Philadelphia. Judge 
Bradford married a daughter of Elias Boudinot in 1782. 
His death was occasioned by a bilious fever contracted 
by exposure in the discharge of his duties. 

He advanced with a rapid progress to an eminence of 
reputation which never was defaced by petty artifices of 
practice or ignoble associations of thought. His course 
was lofty, as his mind was pure ; his eloquence w^as of 
the best kind ; his language was uniformly classical. 
His style was modelled upon that of the best English 
writers. His splendid abilities, his great integrity, his 
clear judgment, his persuasive eloquence, his ardent 
patriotism, were crowned with the graces of the Chris- 
tian character. 

The publications of Mr. Bradford are ; An Enquiry how far the Punish- 
ment of Death is necessary in Pennsylvania, with an Account of the Peni- 
tentiary House of Philadelphia, 1795. In the earlier periods of his life he 
was not unacquainted with the walks of poetry, and some of his poetical 
productions, in imitation of Shenstone, were published in the Philadelphia 
magazines. 

Aaron Burr was the son of President Burr, and the 

grandson of President Edwards. In 1775 he joined the 
army at Cambridge, and accompanied Arnold in his ex- 
pedition against Quebec. In 1779, with the rank of 
Lieutenant- Colonel, he retired from military life. In 
1782 he commenced the practice of law at Albany, but 
soon removed to New York City. From 1791 to 1797 
he was a member of the Senate of the United States. 
He and Jefferson had each seventy-three votes for Presi- 
dent of the United States in 1800. On the thirty-sixth 

[ »49 ] 



1772. 

ballot in the House of Representatives, Jefferson was 
elected, and Burr became Vice-President. On the 12th 
of July, 1804, he mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton 
in a duel. In 1807 Mr. Burr was arrested for High 
Treason, and was tried in Richmond and acquitted. 
Luther Martin, of the class of 1766, a personal friend, 
was one of his counsel. 

The remainder of Mr. Burr's life was passed in New 
York in obscurity and neglect. He died September 14, 
1836, and was buried at Princeton, near the grave of his 
father. 

Jolin Debow received his license from the Presby- 
tery of New Brunswick in 1773, and soon after removed 
to North Carolina, where he was ordained and installed 
pastor of a Presbyterian Church at Hawfields in 1776. 
Here he remained until his death, which occurred Sep- 
tember 17, 1782. Mr. Debow was successful in his min- 
istry, and a goodly number were added to the church. 

Joseph Eckley was born in the city of London. 
He was licensed by the Presbytery of New York May 7, 
1776. In 1779 ^^ was ordained pastor of the Old South 
Church, Boston, where he remained until his death in 
April, 181 1. His Alma Mater conferred upon him the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity abput 1787. Dr. Eckley 
had a high standing in the community as a preacher, al- 
though he was inclined to abstraction. In person, he 
was about the medium stature and size. His countenance 
was a pleasing one, though his features were not remark- 
ably delicate. His hair was turned back on his fore- 
head, over the head to the neck, and arranged in " can- 
non curls" (the hair twisted around wire), according to 
'the custom of the day. 

Dr. Eckley published, Divine Glory brought to View in the Condemna- 
tion of the Ungodly; by a friend of the truth, 1782. A Sermon at the in- 
stallation of the Rev. Israel Evans, at Concord, 1789. Artillery Election 
Sermon, 1792. A Discourvse on the Annual Thanksgiving, 1798. A Ser- 

[ 150 ] 



1772. 

mon before the Boston Female Asylum, 1802. A Discourse before the So- 
ciety for Propagating the Gospel, 1805. Dudleian Lecture at Harvard 
University, 1806. A Sermon at the installation of Rev. Horace HoUey, 
Boston, i8og. 

Israel Evans. The father and grandfather of Mr. 
Evans were settled ministers in this country, and his 
great-grandfather was a minister in Wales. Mr. Evans 
was ordained^by the First Presbytery of Philadelphia in 
1776, and immediately entered upon his duties as Chap- 
lain in the American Army. From 1777 till the close of 
the war, he was Chaplain to the New Hampshire Bri- 
gade, and by means of this connection, he was introduced 
to the Church in Concord, New Hampshire, of which he 
became pastor July i, 1789, his classmate, Joseph Eckley, 
preaching his installation sermon. He resigned this 
charge in July, 1797, but continued to reside in Concord, 
where he died March 9, 1807. 

The publications of Mr. Evans are : Oration delivered at Hackensack, 
New Jersey, at the interment of Brigadier-General Enoc Poor, 1780. A 
Sermon delivered near York, Virginia, on the memorable occasion of the 
Surrender of the British Army, etc., 1781. A Sermon delivered in New 
York on the day set apart by Congress as a day of Public Thanksgiving 
for the blessings of Independence, Liberty and Peace, 1783. A Sermon to 
the Officers and Soldiers of the Western Army after their return from an 
expedition against the Five Nations. New Hampshire Election Sermon, 
1 791. 

Ebenezer Finley, the eldest son of President Finley, 
studied medicine, and became a highly respectable physi- 
cian in Charleston, South Carolina, and was distinguished 
for his piety and moral worth. 

Philip Vicars Fithian was born in Cumberland 
County, New Jersey. In connection with his classmate, 
Andrew Hunter, and about forty other young patriots, 
he assisted in the destruction of a cargo of tea at Green- 
wich, New Jersey. This cargo had been brought over 
by the ship Grey Hound, which sailed up Cohausey 
Creek and deposited the tea in the cellar of a store- 

[151] 



1772. 

house which is still standing. In imitation of the pro- 
ceedings of the Whigs of Boston in 1773, and animated 
by the same patriotic spirit, this company of young men, 
disguised as Indians, assembled on the evening of Nov- 
ember 22, 1774, removed the chests of tea from the store- 
house, conveyed them to an adjoining field and then 
burned them. Mr. Fithian was licensed to preach by 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1775. For some time 
he laboured as a missionary under direction of the Pres- 
bytery, and then entered the army as a chaplain. At the 
Battle of White Plains he fought in the ranks. He died 
in 1776 from disease contracted in camp. Mr. Fithian 
was never ordained. 

James Orier, a native of Bucks County, Pennsyl- 
vania, graduated with the highest honours of his class, 
and acted as tutor for about one year. He was licensed 
by the First Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1775, and or- 
dained and installed as pastor of Deep Run Presbyterian 
Church, Pennsylvania, in 1776, where he remained until 
his death, November 19, 1791. 

Mr. Grier was amiable and conciliatory in his disposi- 
tion and manners. Ordinarily using but little gesture, 
and that of the mildest kind, his manner was always ear- 
nest, and at times it became deeply impassioned. He 
had power over an audience to which few attain. To 
illustrate this — On a Communion Sabbath, he followed 
up the Sacramental Service with a sermon on the text, 
**And the door was shut." After reading the passage, he 
closed the Bible with an action somewhat energetic, and 
lifting up his hands, apparently in the deepest agony, 
exclaimed, " My God, and is the door shut." The im- 
pression on the whole congregation was perfectly over- 
whelming. 

Andrew Hodge was the son of Andrew Hodge, a 
wealthy merchant of Philadelphia. After graduating, 
he commenced the study of law in the office of Governor 



1772. 

Reed. He was thus engaged at the opening of the Rev- 
olution, when his patriotism led him to join the First 
City Troop of Philadelphia, which was Washington's 
Body Guard, and was a participator in the battle of 
Trenton. Shortly before the close of the w^ar he en- 
gaged in commercial business with his younger brother 
Hugh until 1783, when the firm was dissolved. He con- 
tinued in business until about 1806, when the embargo and 
his impaired health caused him to retire from active life. 
He resided partly in Philadelphia and partl}^ in Susque- 
hanna Count)^ Pennsylvania, until his death, which oc- 
curred in May, 1835. 

Andrew Hunter, the son of a British officer, was 
born in Virginia. He was licensed to preach by the 
First Presbytery of Philadelphia about 1773, immediately 
after which he made a missionary tour through Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia. In 1778 he was ordaijied, and was 
appointed a Brigade Chaplain in the American Army. In 
1794 he was teaching a school at Woodbury, New Jersey, 
and in 1803, on account of ill health, was cultivating a 
farm on the Delaware River near Trenton. In 1788 he 
was elected a Trustee of the College of New Jersey, 
w^hich position he held until 1804, when he was appointed 
Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy. In 1808 he 
resigned his professorship, and took charge of an aca- 
demy at Bordentown, New Jersey, but was soon after 
appointed a Chaplain in the Navy, and was stationed 
at the Navy Yard at Washington until his death, 
which occurred at Burlington, New Jersey, February 
24, 1823. 

Mr. Hunter's second wife was a daughter of Richard 
Stockton, of the class of 1748. 

Robert Keith, a native of Pennsylvania, studied 
theology after his graduation, and was licensed by the 
First Presbytery of Philadelphia about 1775, and for 
some time acted as a missionary in Pennsylvania and 



177^- 

Virginia. In 1779 he was ordained, and received the ap- 
pointment of Chaplain in the Army, serving during the 
whole war. Mr. Keith was never permanently settled 
over a congregation. He died in 1784. 

/ William liinn was born in Shippensburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1752. Soon after being licensed, he entered the 
American army as a chaplain. In 1784, he was Rector 
of an academy in Somerset County, Maryland, where he 
acquired a high reputation as a teacher and scholar. In 
1786, he removed to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and be- 
came pastor of the Presbyterian Church in that place. 
He remained here but a few months, as in the November 
after his settlement, he received and accepted a call to 
the Reformed Dutch Church of the City of New York. 
In consequence of declining health, which it was sup- 
posed a change of air might benefit, he removed to 
Albany, where he died in January, 1808. 

Mr. Linn received the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from King's College in 1789. He enjoyed a 
high reputation as a pulpit orator. His delivery was 
very emphatic, and his gesticulations often violent. He 
was in great demand on charitable and public occasions. 
In a series of sermons on the Signs of the Times, which 
were afterwards published, he excited interest and much 
opposition among a certain class, owing to the strong 
ground taken in them in favour of the French Revolu- 
tion, a movement of which he was a warm partisan, until 
it became identified with infidelity and anarchy. In a 
sermon preached before the Tammany Society on the 
4th of July, 1791, after claiming with Mr. Jefferson, that 
*' making due allowance for our age and numbers, we 
have produced as many eminent men as fall to our 
share ;" and invoking the patriotism of the country, he 
plunged into an attack on the foes of liberty, Edmund 
Burke in particular, and a glorification of the French 
Revolution. ** May we not," he says, *' indulge the pleas- 
ing thought, that the time is not far distant, when tyran- 

[15+] 



ny everywhere shall be destroyed ; when mankind shall 
be the slaves of monsters and idiots no more, but recover 
the true dignity of their nature ! The cause of liberty is 
continually gathering strength. The advocates of des- 
potic rule must fail. The British orator, though he sub- 
limely rave, he raves in vain. No force of genius, no 
brilliancy of fancy, and no ornament of language can sup- 
port his wretched cause. He and his abettors only has- 
ten its downfall. The Revolution in France is great, is 
astonishing, is glorious. It is, perhaps, not just to say, 
that the flame was kindled by us, but certainly we con- 
tinue to blow and increase it, as France will in other na- 
tions, until blaze joining blaze, shall illumine the darkest 
and remotest corners of the earth." 

The publications of Dr. Linn are : A Military Discourse, delivered in 
Carlisle, Pa., 1776. The Spiritual Death and Life of the Believer, and the 
Character and Misery of the Wicked ; two Sermons in the American Preach- 
er, Volume L A Sermon on American Independence, 1791. A volume of 
Discourses entitled Sermons Historical and Characteristical, 1791. A Se- 
ries of Sermons on the Signs of the Times, 1794. A Sermon at a Fast, 1798. 
A Funeral Eulogy on Washington, 1800. 

William Smith Livingston, a son of Robert James 
Livingston, studied law and was admitted an attorney of 
the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the April Term, 
1780. During the war he was an officer in the Revolu- 
tionary army. Afterwards he practised law in the City 
of New York. 

George Lnckey was a native of Faggs Manor, Penn- 
sylvania. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Castle in 1776, and was ordained and settled as pastor of 
Bethel and Centre Churches, Hartford County, Mary- 
land, where he preached until 1799, when he resigned. 
Mr. Luckey was a fine classical scholar, an intelligent 
preacher, in his manners plain, in labours unwearied. 
Very few had an equal acquaintance with the Scriptures. 
He died at Bethel, probably in 18 19, as his name disap- 
pears from the roll of Synod in that year. 

[>S5] 



Samuel Eusebius Maccorkle was born in Lancas- 
ter County, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1746. His parents 
•removed to North Carolina when he was quite young, 
and he was prepared for college by Rev. David Cald- 
well of the Class of 1761. After graduating, he studied 
theology with his maternal uncle, the Rev. Joseph Mont- 
gomery, of the class of 1755, and was licensed by the 
Presbytery of New York in 1754. For two years he la- 
boured as a missionary in Virginia, and in 1776 returned 
to North Carolina, and on the 2d of August, 1777, was 
installed pastor of the church at Thyatira, where he re- 
mained until his death. 

He was an active friend of his country in its struggles 
for liberty, and was an earnest champion for the truth 
against the rising tide of French infidelitv which threat- 
ened to sweep the land. 

In 1785, Mr. Mccorkle commenced a classical school 
in his own house, to which he gave the name oi Zion Par- 
nasus. The first class that graduated at the State Uni- 
versity, consisted of seven students, six of whom were 
from his school. Forty-five of his scholars afterwards 
became ministers. At the establishment of the Univer- 
sity of North Carolina, the state of the funds did not per- 
mit them to appoint a President, but Mr. Maccorkle was 
elected the first Professor, having the Chair of Moral and 
Political Philosophy. He was a thorough scholar, and 
kept up his acquaintance, not only with the Latin and 
Greek classics, but with mathematics, philosophy, and 
every important branch of learning. 

In person, Mr. Maccorkle was tall, about six feet one 
inch ; finely formed ; light hair and pale blue eyes ; mild, 
grave and dignified in his appearance; cheerful in dis- 
position ; and of fine conversational powers. Firm in his 
opinions, and devotedly attached to the doctrines of the 
Presbyterian Church, he never unnecessarily attacked the 
opinions or forms of others. In appearance and gait, he 
is said to have very much resembled Mr. Jefferson. He 
died January 21, 181 1. The honorary degree of Doctor 

[156] 



.1772. 

of Divinity was conferred on him by Dartmouth in 
1792. 

His publications are: A Sermon on Sacrifices, 1792. A Charity Sermon 
delivered on several occasions, 1793. A National Thanksgiving Sermon, 
entitled, The Comparative Happiness and Duty of the United States of 
America contrasted with other Nations, particularly the Israelites, 1795. 
A Sermon preached at the Laying of the Corner Stone of the University of 
North Carolina. Four Discourses on the great first principles of Deism 
and Revelation contrasted, 1797. Three Discourses on Christian Commu- 
nion, A National Fast Sermon, entitled. The Work of God for the French 
Republic ; and then her Reformation or Ruin ; or. The Novel and Use- 
ful Experiment of National Deism to us and all mankind. A Sermon 
entitled. The Angel's Seal set upon God's Faithful Servants, when Hurtful 
Winds are Blowing in the Church Militant. 

John McMillan, a native of Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania, became one of the most eminent founders of the 
Presbyterian Church in our Western country. He was 
licensed by the Presbytery of the New Castle, October 
26, 1774. In 1775, he made a missionary tour through 
the Valley of Virginia, enduring much privation and 
meeting many difficulties. He made a second tour to 
the same region in 1776. 

Crossing into Western Pennsylvania, he was ordained 
and settled as pastor of the Congregations of Chartiers 
and Pigeon Creek. Here he had to build his own house ; 
had neither bedsteads nor tables, nor stools, chairs or buck- 
ets. Boxes served him for tables, and kegs for seats. 
Sometimes he had no bread for weeks ; but his health 
was good, and he on,ce remarked that he had not from 
his earliest recollection been confined half a day by sick- 
ness during his whole life. The revivals which occurred 
in his congregations are some of the most remarkable in 
the history of the Church. 

Mr. McMillan very early turned his attention to the 
education of young men for the ministry. He started a 
school within a year after he removed his family to the 
West. In 1791, his school became merged with an acad- 
emy at Cannonsburg, which in time became Jefferson 
College. 

['57] 



1772. 

In personal appearance Mr. McMillan was far from at- 
tractive ; he was about six feet high, and walked with 
his head and neck inclined forward. He was of a stout 
and clumsy form, his features coarse, his nose very prom- 
inent, and his general aspect somewhat forbidding. He 
wrote out his sermons in full, and learned them by heart. 
His voice was strong and coarse, and he poured out his 
words in such a torrent that it often offended delicate 
ears. 

He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Div- 
inity from Jefferson College in 1805. Dr. McMillan's in- 
fluence in preaching the Gospel himself, and training 
others for the same work, it is not easy to estimate. He 
died November 5, 1833. 

Oliver Keese was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick in 1774, and in 1775 was ordained and 
settled as pastor of Wilton Presbyterian Church in South 
Carolina. Among the accounts of the Church still ex- 
tant, is a bill of one Christian Mote against the Trustees, 
for a dinner furnished for " fifty persons and fifteen boys 
at the ordination of the Rev. Oliver Reese." The bill 
amounted to £^7. There is also a bill against " the es- 
tate of Rev. Oliver Reese," of a tailor named Long, for 
"two suits of cloaths," at a cost of ;^20. It is probable 
that he was a young man of promise. The congregation 
seem to have rejoiced in securing him as their pastor in 
these troublous times. But his connexion with them, 
and his work on earth were alike brief. He died either 
in the same year or the succeeding one. 

James Tenipleton received his license from the 
Presbytery of Hanover, October 26, 1775, soon after 
which he removed to North Carolina. In 1794, he be- 
came stated supply of Nazareth Church in South Caro- 
lina, and continued so for nearly eight years. He is 
spoken of as being far from an animated preacher, but as 
taking a great interest in the general business of the 

[158] 



1772. 

church. In 1797, Mr. Templeton was at the head of the 
" Philanthropic Society," organized with the view of ad- 
vancing and perpetuating an academy of high order. 
This Society was incorporated by the Legislature of 
South Carolina in 1797. 

[■59] 



1773- 

James Francis Armstrong was a native of Mary- 
land. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle 
in January, 1777, and ordained in January, 1778. He 
was appointed Chaplain in Sullivan's Brigade, and ac- 
companied the troops on the Southern campaign. He 
remained in the army until the surrender of Yorktown. 
In 1782, Mr. Armstrong returned to New Jersey, and 
supplied the church in Elizabethtown lately made vacant 
by the murder of Rev. James Caldwell. In 1783, he sus- 
pended his labours on account of ill health; but in 1786 
he resumed them again, and became pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey. In 1815, Mr. 
Armstrong performed his last public service. He was 
in personal appearance noble and striking. He had a 
princely, generous spirit, which always answered to the 
claims of human wretchedness. The interest of letters 
and religion were more than anything else impressive 
and absorbing with him. He was an acceptable preach- 
er, and had his health remained firm, would have been 
an eloquent and attractive one, beyond most of his con- 
temporaries. From 1790 to 18 16 he was a Trustee of the 
college. He died January 19, 18 16. 

David Bard received his license to preach from the 
Presbytery of Donegal, about 1777. In 1778 he was or- 
dained and installed by the same Presbytery, pastor of 
the Church in Bedford, Pennsylvania. He was after- 
wards settled at Frankstown in the same State. Mr. 
Bard w^as a representative in Congress from Pennsylva- 
nia from 1795 to 1799 ; and again from 1803 to 18 13. He 
died in 181 3. 

[160] 



1773- 

Ebenezer Bradford was born in Canterbury, Con- 
necticut. After leaving college he studied theology, and 
from April, 1777, to November, 1779, was stated supply 
of the First Congregational Church in Danbury, Con- 
necticut. On August 4, 1782, he was installed pastor of 
the Church at Rowley, Massachusetts, where he contin- 
ued to labour until his death in 1801. 

Mr. Bradford was admitted to a Master's degree at 
Dartmouth in 1785, and at Brown University in 1800. 

Mr. Bradford published, A Sermon at the Ordination of Nathaniel Howe, 
Hopkinton, Massachusetts, 1791. Strictures on Dr. Langdon's Remarks 
on Hopkins's System. 1794. A Fast Sermon. 1795. A Sermon at the In- 
stallation of Rev. John H. Stevens. 1795. 

Archibald Craig. From the best information I can 
obtain, Mr. Craig was a native of Monmouth County, 
New Jersey. He studied medicine and removed to Al- 
bany, NcAv York, where he practiced his profession for 
many years ; dying at an advanced age. 

Thaddeus Dod was born near Newark, New Jersey. 
He became one of the founders of the Presbyterian 
Church in the West. He was licensed by the Presby- 
tery of New York in 1775. In 1777, getting up from a 
bed of sickness, he made a missionary tour through 
Maryland and Virginia. In the autumn of that year the 
Indians had made a formidable attack upon Fort Henry 
at the mouth of Wheeling Creek. This was one of the 
most memorable events in the Border warfare. For 
weeks after the whole county was anticipating another 
attack. While in this state of apprehension and anxiety, 
there arrived a young man of slender form, black hair, 
and keen penetrating dark eyes, not unknown to some of 
the inhabitants ; and his arrival gave them no ordinary 
joy. It was the Rev. Thaddeus Dod. He had been or- 
dained by the Presbytery of New York to go out to the 
frontier, and he entered at once on his work. His co- 
labourers in those bloody times were, Smith, McMillan 
II [ 161 ] 



1773- 

and Power, all graduates of Princeton. Mr. Dod was a 
remarkable scholar, especially in mathematics. An in- 
teresting anecdote is related of him by a relative : Be- 
fore the death of Chief-Justice Kirkpatrick, who was a 
Trustee of the college, Albert B. Dod was nominated for 
the Mathematical chair, and the Chief-Justice remarked, 
that he was not acquainted with the candidate, and did 
not know his reputation as a mathematician ; neverthe- 
less he would vote for him most cheerfully ;. he liked the 
name ; that he never knew a Dod that Avas not born a 
mathematician ; that there was one Thaddeus Dod in 
college when he was a student who seemed to understand 
mathematics by instinct ; that all the students applied to 
him for aid when anything difficult occurred in their 
mathematical studies. He presumed the candidate was 
of the same stock, and he would vote for him. Professor 
Dod was the grand nephew of Thaddeus Dod. Mr. Dod 
was not only a fine mathematician, but was as eminent 
as a classical scholar, and had an exquisite taste for mu- 
sic. He laboured faithfully in building up the Church 
and the cause of higher education till his death. 

When we consider a man of such mathematical talent, 
classical taste, and poetic imagination, we cannot but ad- 
mire the orderings of Providence, that assigned to such 
a man such a perilous and self-denying charge. Often 
were he and his family driven to the neighbouring fort 
by the savages, and they were in constant danger and 
alarm. 

Mr. Dod had not been long at his post before he started 
a classical school under the very walls of the fort, his 
neighbours turning out and erecting a building for him. 
On the 20th of January, 1789, he was appointed the first 
Principal of Washington Academy, at Washington, Penn- 
sylvania, which had been incorporated in 1787. This 
academy, under a new charter, became Washington Col- 
lege. Mr. Dod died in 1793. 

James Duiilap is a fit companion to his classmate 

[162] 



1773- 

Dod. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 
and after graduating, acted as tutor for two years. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of Donegal, sometime 
between 1776 and 1781, and ordained by the Presbytery 
of New Castle, August 21, 1781. Shortly after his ordi- 
nation he removed to Western Pennsylvania and settled 
first at Little Redstone and Dunlap Creek ; afterwards 
he became pastor of Laurel Hill Church, where he re- 
mained until 1803, when he was elected President of Jef- 
ferson College. This post he held until 181 1. He is 
represented to have been a very pious man and a re- 
markable scholar. He was especially distinguished for 
his accurate attainments in classical literature. He seem- 
ed to have the classics completely in his memory ; for he 
could hear long recitations in Virgil, Homer, etc., with- 
out a. book in his hand, and then thoroughly drill the 
reciting class ; asking all the words and sentences while 
walking to and fro with his hands behind his back — his 
usual position on such occasions. He received the de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity from Jefferson College in 1806. 
Dr. Dunlap died in 1818. 

William Graham stood pre-eminent in college, and 
during the course anticipated a whole year. He was 
licensed by the Presbyter}'- of Hanover on the 26th of 
October, 1775. He immediately took charge of a class- 
ical school which had been started at Mount Pleasant, 
in the Valley of Virginia. After a short time the school 
Avas removed to Timber Ridge, and Mr. Graham became 
pastor of the church as well as rector of the school. On 
account of the troubles occasioned by the war, the build- 
ings at Timber Ridge were abandoned ; Mr. Graham 
removing to a farm, but still attempting to keep up the 
school at Timber Ridge. This becoming inconvenient, 
he opened a school at his own house. In course of time 
a building for the school was erected, when in 1782 it 
received an act of incorporation, and the name of Liberty 
Hall ; which name it retained until it was endowed by 



1773- 

General Washington, when his name was substituted for 
that which it had before borne. Before this donation 
was received, Mr. Graham had resigned his office of 
President. 

Mr. Graham possessed a mind formed for accurate and 
profound investigation. He had studied the Latin and 
Greek classics with great care, and relished the beauties 
of these exquisite compositions. He was a lover of natu- 
ral science. But the science which engaged his atten- 
tion more than all others, except Theology, was the Phi- 
losophy of the Mind. From the time of his ordination, 
in 1775, he became a teacher of Theology. He was not 
much given to writing nor the reading of many books ; 
but he was a nervous and independent thinker. Kaimes 
and Butler were his favourite authors. He was dis- 
tinguished for the depth and boldness of his investiga- 
tions, and loved to examine every subject for himself. 
He confessed that the chief advantage he derived from 
books, was from the table of contents, which suggested 
to his mind matter for thought. As a preacher he was 
at once argumentative and impressive ; but it was as a 
teacher that his excellence was most apparent. His 
lectures were fascinating, from their originality and inge- 
nuity ; while his penetrating eye and the power of sar- 
casm kept the most unruly in awe. 

It may truly be said that the patriotic fire burned in 
no bosom with a warmer flame than in that of Mr. Gra- 
ham. On a certain occasion it was resolved, by order of 
the Governor, to raise a volunteer company of riflemen to 
go into active service ; but there appeared to be a back- 
wardness in the men to come forward. Mr. Graham, 
who was present, stepped out and had his own name en- 
rolled, which produced such an effect that the company 
was immediately filled, of which he was unanimously 
elected Captain ; but they were not called into service. 

Mr. Graham died June 8, 1799. 

Hugh Hodg-e, a younger brother of Andrew Hodge 

[ 164] 



1773- 

of the previous class, after graduating, studied medicine 
with Dr. John Cadwalader, of Philadelphia ; and when 
the Revolution broke out he offered his services to his 
country. He was appointed Surgeon of the First Bat- 
talion, Cadwalader Brigade. He served a short tiine, and 
was captured by the British at Fort Washington, New 
York. He was released on parole through the exertions 
of Robert Morris. While upon parole, he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits with his brother Andrew ; but owing 
to captures at sea and other causes, they were not very 
successful. He resumed the practice of his profession 
about 1788 or 1789, and rose to eminence in connection 
with Drs. Rush and Wistar. He was the father of Dr. 
Charles Hodge, of Princeton. He died in Philadelphia. 

Andrew King was born in North Carolina. He 
was probably licensed by the Presbytery of New York 
in 1775. On the nth of June, 1777, he was ordained 
and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Wall- 
kill, New York. He continued in this relation until his 
death, November 16, 181 5. Mr. King was neither learned 
nor eloquent, but was greatly prospered during his min- 
istry. He was known as a " peace-maker," and in various 
instances was called on by the Presbytery to settle dif- 
ferences in congregations. 

Henry Lee was a son of Henry Lee, of Prince Wil- 
liam County, Virginia. He is commonly known as 
" Light Horse Harr}^" In 1774 he was appointed a 
Captain of Cavalry under Colonel Bland. His skill in 
discipline, and his gallant bearing, soon attracted the no- 
tice of Washington, and he was promoted to the rank of 
Major, and then advanced to that of Lieutenant-Colonel. 
From 1780 to the close of the war, he served under Gen- 
eral Green. The services of Lee's Legion in various 
actions were very important ; he especially distinguished 
himself at the Battle of Guilford ; afterwards he suc- 
ceeded in capturing Fort Cornwallis and other forts ; he 

[ '65 ] 



1773- 

was also conspicuous at Ninety Six and at the Eutaw 
Springs. In 1786 he was appointed to Congress from 
Virginia, in which position he remained until the Consti- 
tution was adopted. In 1791 he became Governor of 
Virginia, and remained in office for three years. By 
appointment of Washington he commanded the forces 
sent to suppress the Whisky Insurrection in Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1799 he was again in Congress, and was se- 
lected to pronounce a funeral oration on Washington, 
in which occurred the memorable words, '' First in war, 
first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." 
After the accession of Mr. Jefferson in 1801, he retired 
to private life. He was an uncle of the late General 
Robert E. Lee. He died March 25, 1818. 

General Lee published, An Oration on the Death of Washington, 1800. 
Memoirs of the War in the South, 2 vols. 8vo, 18 12. 

Morgan Lewis, a son of one of the Signers of the 
Declaration of Independence, was born in the city of 
New York. After graduating, he entered the army, and 
at the surrender of General Burgoyne, was a Colonel of 
one of the Continental regiments. In 1791 he was ap- 
pointed Attorney - General of New York, succeeding 
Aaron Burr ; and in 1801 he was appointed to the Bencli 
of the Supreme Court of the State, the next year being 
made Chief -Justice. Brockholst Livingston and Smith 
Thompson, two graduates of Princeton, were appointed 
Judges of the Supreme Court at the same time. In 1804 
he was elected Governor of the State — his opponent be- 
ing Aaron Burr. 

Mr. Lewis was a kind parent, a benevolent man, a good 
citizen and an able lawyer. He died in New York, April 
7, 1844, at the advanced age of 90. 

John Linn, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 
the year 1749. He was licensed to preach by the Pres- 
bytery of Donegal in December, 1776. Shortly after, he 
was ordained and became pastor of Sherman Valley 

[166] 



1773- 

Churches in Pennsylvania. He remained here till the 
close of his life. 

Mr. Linn was of medium height, portly and symmetrical 
in his form, and muscular and active in his bodily move- 
ments. He was accustomed to write out his sermons in 
full and deliver them from memory. He had a remark- 
ably clear voice, and spoke with great solemnity and im- 
pressiveness. He was distinguished for sobriety of mind 
rather than versatility — reflection rather than imagina- 
tion. In his family, and indeed in all his relations, he 
was a fine example of Christian dignity, tenderness and 
fidelity. 

He died in 1820. , 

James Macconnell received license and was ordain- 
ed by Hanover Presbytery, and was installed as pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church at High Bridge, Virginia, June 
18, 1778. By indiscretion and want of family economy, 
he became involved in difficulties, and ceased to serve 
the congregation. In 1787 he removed beyond the AUe- 
ghanies. 

John McKnight was born near Carlisle, Pennsyl- 
vania, October i, 1754. He was licensed by the Presby- 
tery of Donegal about 1774, and ordained in 1775. The 
same year he removed to Virginia, and became pastor of 
a congregation at Elk Branch. He remained in this 
charge till 1783, when he removed to Adams County, 
Pennsylvania, and became pastor of Lower Marsh Creek 
Presbyterian Church. 

An amusing incident is related in connection with his 
pastorate at this place. He had just ordained three rul- 
ing elders ; and one of them was appointed to attend the 
meeting of Presbytery to be held the next week. He 
came to the pastor on the evening of the day of his ordi- 
nation, under a good deal of agitation, to inquire what 
were the duties that would be expected of him. Perceiv- 
ing the state of his mind, Mr, McKnight assumed a seri- 

[ ^^1 ] 



^773- 

ous air, and replied — '' You are to see that my horse is 
fed and saddled in time to start ; to go before and have 
breakfast and dinner prepared for us ; to pay the bills, 
and in Presbytery to vote as I do." This playfulness 
relieved the anxious elder, whose countenance changed 
from its solemn gravity to a smile, — when opportunity 
was given to inform him what his real duties would be 
as a member of the body. 

In 1789 Mr. McKnight became colleague pastor with 
Dr. Rodgers in New York City. In 1791 Yale conferred 
upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. 
Dr. McKnight remained in New York in the faithful dis- 
charge of his duties for twenty years. In 1809 he resign- 
ed his charge, and removed to the neighbourhood of 
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 181 5 he was elected 
President of Dickinson College, but resigned the Chair 
in little more than a year, returning to his farm near 
Chambersburg, where he died October 21, 1823. 

Dr. McKnight was a man of slender person, and rather 
above the medium height. His manner was graceful and 
dignified. As a preacher he was calm and dispassionate. 

Dr. McKnight published, Six Sermons on Faith, 1790. A Sermon before 
the New York Missionary Society, 1799. A Sermon on the present state 
of the political and religious world, 1802. A Sermon on the death of the 
Rev. Dr. John King, 181 1. 

Aaron Ogdeii belonged to a distinguished family of 
Elizabethtown, New Jersey. After leaving college he 
became an assistant teacher in the school of Francis Bar- 
ber of the class of 1767. In the winter of 1775-1776, he 
was one of a party of young men who boarded and cap- 
tured a vessel lying off Sandy Hook, and carried her 
safely into Elizabethport. In the spring of 1777, the 
school of Mr. Barber was broken up ; and principal and 
assistant both entered the army, the one as a major, the 
other as a captain. Mr. Ogden remained in the service 
till the close of the war. He was at the Battle of Brandy- 
wine in 1777; and was in the advanced corps of General 

[ 168 j 



1773- 

Lee at the Battle of Monmouth, and served as aid-de- 
camp to Lord Stirling on that memorable day. In 1779, 
he attended Sullivan in his expedition against the In- 
dians, and was at the Battle of Springfield in 1780, where 
he had a horse shot under him, and highly distinguished 
himself. The same year he was chosen from the whole 
army by General Washington to go upon a most deli- 
cate and interesting mission to the British lines, the pur- 
pose of which was to effect, if possible, an exchange of 
Arnold for Andre, which duty he performed with the ut- 
most skill and address. 

At the siege of Yorktown, the company which he com- 
manded, stormed the left redoubt of the enemy, for which 
he- was honoured with the peculiar approbation of Wash- 
ington. 

At the close of the war Mr. Ogden devoted himself to 
the study and practice of the law, and for many years 
occupied a conspicuous place in the foremost rank at the 
New Jersey Bar. From 1801 to 1803, he served as a 
Senator in the Congress of the United States, and in 
18 1 2, was elected Governor of his native state. 

To learning and industry, Mr. Ogden united great in- 
genuity and fertility of resources, quickness and accura- 
cy of discrimination, and an eloquence which at times, 
when he was deeply moved or strongly excited, was of a 
very high order. His manner was gracious and impos- 
ing ; his voice, though not musical, was strong and va- 
ried ; his countenance had great power and diversity of 
expression ; but, more than all this, he understood well 
the springs of human action. 

He died April 19, 1839. 

Richard Piatt was a gallant soldier of the Revolu- 
tion, a major in the New York line. He was at Quebec 
with Montgomery, and at the surrender of Cornwallis at 
Yorktown. He died in New York, March 4th, 1830. 

Belcher Peartree Smith was a son of the eminent 

[ 169 ] 



1773- 

William Peartree Smith of Elizabethtown, one of the 
original Trustees of the college. He studied law after 
graduation, and practiced in Elizabethtown. He died in 
1787. 

John Blair Smith was a son of the Rev. Robert 
Smith of Pequea, Pennsylvania, and was born June 12, 
1756. He received license from Hanover Presbytery, 
June 18, 1777. He was ordained by the same body Octo- 
ber 26, 1779. At the same meeting of Presbytery his 
brother, Samuel Stanhope Smith, asked leave to resign 
the Presidency of Hampden Sidney College ; his request 
was granted, and John Blair Smith w^as immediately ap- 
pointed to succeed him. 

During the revival which swept through Virginia in 
1786 and 1787, Mr. Smith entered into the work with 
such glowing zeal, and his preaching was so eloquent 
and powerful, that his services were in constant demand 
at places remote from his residence. In 1789, he resigned 
his office in order to give himself up wholly to preach- 
ing. In 1 79 1, he became pastor of the Pine Street Church 
in Philadelphia, and in 1795 he was elected the first Pres- 
ident of Union College, New York ; but after presiding 
over that infant institution for three years, he returned 
to his former charge in Philadelphia, and was installed 
in 1799. He died of yellow fever in Philadelphia, Au- 
gust, 22, 1799. In 1793, the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
was conferred upon him by Hampden-Sidney and Union 
Colleges. 

The natural disposition of Dr. Smith was full of vivaci- 
ty, his temper quiet, and his actions rapid. At first his 
preaching was less impressive than his brother's ; but at 
the commencement of the great revival, he underwent a 
great change in his own feelings and in the fervency of 
his preaching, so that he became one of the most power- 
ful preachers of the day. 

In person he was about the middle size. His hair was 
uncommonly black, and was divided on the top and fell 

[ 170] 



1773- 

down on each side of his face. A large blue eye of open 
expression, was so piercing, that it was common to say 
Dr. Smith looked you through. 

Dr. Smith's only acknowledged publication was A Sermon entitled, " The 
Enlargement of Christ's Kingdom, the Object of a Christian's Prayers and 
Exertions," delivered in the Dutch Church, Albany, before the Northern 
Missionary Society of N. Y., 1797. 

William R. Smith, a brother of President Samuel 
Stanhope Smith, was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Castle in 1776; was settled as pastor of the Second 
Church in Wilmington, Delaware, about 1786; resigned 
his charge in 1796, and became pastor of the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Harlingen and Shannock, New Jer- 
sey, in which relation he died about the year 1820. Mr. 
Smith was plain in his manners, a judicious and instruc- 
tive preacher, without much power of elocution, a faith- 
ful pastor, and amiable and exemplary in his spirit and 
deportment. 

Samuel Waugli was a native of Pennsylvania. He 
was licensed by Donegal Presbytery in 1777, and was 
settled as the pastor of the United Churches of Pennsbor- 
ough and Monaghan, Pennsylvania, in 1782; in which 
relation he continued till his death, w^hich took place in 
January, 1807. He was a sound divine, a very accept- 
able preacher, and highly esteemed by his people. 

Lewis Feuilleteau Wilson came from the Island 
of St. Christopher. A circumstance occurred in con- 
nexion with his graduation that was illustrative equally 
of his fine scholarship, and his noble spirit. When the 
honours were distributed in his class by the Trustees of 
the college, five were appointed to deliver orations, and 
the second oration fell to him. When the announcement 
was made by the President, he rose and made a most 
respectful and grateful acknowledgment of the honour 
that had been conferred upon him, but begged to decline 

[171] 



1773- 

it, and expressed a wish that it might be given to another. 
He Avas accordingly excused, and a person to whom he 
knew the appointment would be acceptable, was substi- 
tuted in his place. 

After graduation, he visited London, intending to take 
orders in the Church of England ; but, changing his 
mind, he returned to Princeton, and commenced the 
study of Divinity with Dr. Witherspoon. Being inter- 
rupted in his studies by the war, he studied medicine and 
acted as surgeon in the Continental army for several 
years. After the war, he again visited England, and on 
his return, settled as a physician in Princeton. 

In 1786, through the influence of one of his college 
friends, he removed to North Carolina, but his old desire 
to preach the Gospel returned, and he abandoned medi- 
cine, and was licensed to preach in 1791 ; and in 1793, he 
.was ordained and installed as pastor of Fourth Creek and 
Concord Churches in North Carolina. Mr. Wilson was 
intimately connected with the great revivals in the West 
and South near the end of the last century. In 1803, he 
resigned his charge, and died in perfect peace Decem- 
ber II, 1804. 

John Witherspoon, a son of President Wither- 
spoon, studied medicine, and was settled for several 
years as a practitioner at St. Stephens Parish, South 
Carolina, and is believed to have died at sea between 
New York and Charleston in the summer of 1795. 

[^72] 



1774- 

Stephen Bloomer Balch was born in Maryland, 
but removed while a boy to North Carolina. After leav- 
ing college, he took charge of a school in Calvert Coun- 
ty, Maryland, to which he had been recommended by 
Dr. Witherspoon. Here he remained four years. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of Donegal, June 17, 
1779, and returned to North Carolina. Here engaging 
in missionary work he endured many privations. On 
one occasion night overtook him, and he entered a 
strange dwelling and asked for a night's lodging. The 
master of the house was absent, but his wife received 
him hospitably. Being much fatigued he soon fell asleep, 
but w^as aroused by the arrival of the owner of the house, 
who proved to be General Williams of North Carolina ; 
entering the room where Mr. Balch was sleeping, he 
said, " I will allow no one who is not a Whig to sleep 
under my roof;" Mr. Balch replied, ''Let me rest in 
peace, then, for I was educated under Dr. Witherspoon, 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence." 

In 1780, Mr. Balch removed to Georgetown, (D. C.,) 
and established a Presbyterian Church. Here he re- 
mained until his death, which took place September 7, 

1833- 
In person Mr. Balch w^as tall and rather commanding. 

His eyes were small and keen. His gait was slow and 

cautious, indicating that he was absent-minded. He had 

an exuberance of good humour, which continued with 

him till the last. His preaching was generally doctrinal 

and characterized by great fearlessness and energy. 

William Bradford was born in Canterbury, Con- 

[ J73 ] 



1774- 

necticut, and after graduating was licensed by the Litch- 
field South Association in 1775. The last years of Mr. 
Bradford's life were spent as pastor of the North Congre- 
gational Church in Canterbury. He died in 1808. 

Daniel Breck, a native of Boston, became a Congre- 
gational minister, and entered the army as a chaplain, 
and accompanied Porter's regiment to Canada and shared 
in the hardships and perils of that campaign. He was 
present in the attack upon Quebec. After the war he 
visited the Northwest Territory, and delivered the first 
sermon ever preached on the spot where Marietta, Ohio, 
now stands. He was a man of high Christian character. 
Mr. Breck was the father of Judge Breck, of Kentucky. 
He died in Vermont in 1845, aged ninety-seven years. 

John Ewing Calhoun entered college from North 
Carolina. After graduating he studied law, in which 
profession he became distinguished. For many years he 
was a member of the South Carolina Legislature, and in 
1 801 represented that State in the United States Senate. 
He was a man of independent thought and resolution. 
He dared while in the Senate to secede alone from his 
party, and to oppose singly a popular measure, because 
it appeared to him to be unconstitutional and perilous in 
its consequences. Mr. Calhoun was on a select commit- 
tee to whom was referred a modification of the Judiciary 
System of the United States. He died in 1802. 

John Nohle Cvimniing early espoused the cause 
of his country, and rose to the rank of a General. He 
participated in a number of the battles of the Revolution. 
Mr. Cumming was a man of integrity and honour, a pa- 
tron of civil order and a supporter of religious institu- 
tions. He died in Newark, July 6, 1821. 

Peter Fish was descended from an old family of Long 
Island. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of 

[174] 



'774- 

New York in 1779. On the 20th of October, 1785, he 
was appointed by the Presbytery stated supply of the 
Presbyterian Church at Newtown, Long Island. He re- 
mained here until November, 1788, when he removed to 
Connecticut Farms, New Jersey, where he was ordained 
and installed, March 25, 1789. He remained in this charge 
for ten years, when he removed to Holland Patent, New 
York, where he laboured for a time ; but being in poor 
health, he purchased a place in Newtown, and removed 
there in the spring of 1807, with the intention of seeking 
repose from the arduous duties of the ministry ; but the 
church becoming vacant, he consented to supply them 
for a time, but his labours were suddenly terminated by 
his death, on November 12, 18 10. He possessed through 
life a delicacy of constitution that greatly restricted his 
usefulness. In person he was tall and spare. 

James Hall was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvarpa, 
August 22, 1744, but removed to North Carolina while a 
boy. He had a high reputation while in college, espe- 
cially in the exact sciences ; insomuch that, soon after his 
graduation, Dr. Witherspoon expressed a desire that he 
should be retained in the college as a teacher of mathe- 
matics. The proposal he declined, saying that he had 
devoted his life to the sacred ministry. He was licensed 
by the Presbytery of Orange about 1776. He was in- 
stalled pastor of the United Congregations of Fourth 
Creek, Concord, and Bethany, North Carolina, April 8, 
1778. When the Revolutionary war opened, he entered 
with all his heart into the conflict ; gathering the people 
together and setting forth to them their obligations as 
patriots, he made most effective appeals in favour of the 
cause of liberty. When the forces of Cornwallis were 
desolating South Carolina, Mr. Hall assembled his flock 
and addressed them with great fervour and pathos. A 
select company of cavalry was immediately organized, 
and by general consent he was demanded for their lead- 
er, which post he accepted. One of his contemporaries 

[175] 



1774- 

writes : " When a boy at school at Charlotte, I saw James 
Hall pass through the town with a three-cornered hat 
and long sword, the Captain at the head of a company, 
and Chaplain of the regiment." Mr. Hall accompanied 
an expedition into Georgia against the Indians, preach- 
ing as he had opportunity. After the skirmish at Cow- 
an's Ford, on the Catawba, between the forces of Corn- 
wallis and the North Carolina Militia, he was selected by 
General Green as a suitable person to succeed General 
Davidson, who had fallen, and a commission was actually 
tendered to him. This he declined, on the ground that 
others could fill the post, at least with as much advan- 
tage as himself, while he had solemnly pledged his life to 
the defence of the Gospel. 

A full account of the actions of Mr. Hall during the 
Revolutionary war, would fill a volume. His active, en- 
terprising spirit would not let him be neuter ; his princi- 
ples, drawn from the word of God and the doctrines of 
his Church, and cultivated by Dr. Witherspoon, carried 
him with all his heart to the defence of his country. 
To that he gave his powers of mind, body and estate. 

After the war Mr. Hall set himself to repair the waste 
places of Zion ; and he was the instrument in bringing 
about an extensive revival of religion. From 1793 to 
1 801 he made missionary excursions through the south- 
western States, an account of which was published in the 
newspapers of the day. 

He w^as a Avarm friend of education. Soon after enter- 
ing upon his work, he became connected with a literary 
institution in the neighbourhood of his churches ; and 
afterwards he opened an " Academy of Sciences" at his 
own house, of which he was himself the sole Professor. 
He died on the 25th of July, 1826. 

Dr. Hall published, A Sermon on Proverbs xiv. 34, preached at the open- 
ing of a Court House in South Carolina. A Sermon preached at the Ordi- 
nation of Mr. Samuel C. Caldwell, as pastor of Sugar Creek Church. 1792. 
A Narrative of a most extraordinary work of Religion in North Carolina. 
1802. A Report of a Missionary Tour through Mississippi and the South- 
western Country. 

[176] 



1774- 

Hugh Hodge, a native of Philadelphia, and a cousin 
of Hugh Hodge of the class of 1773, became a merchant 
in Philadelphia, and was lost at sea going or returning 
from Europe. 

Samuel Leake was born in New Jersey. After grad- 
ating, he received from Dr. Witherspoon a written cer- 
tificate of his qualifications to teach Latin, Greek and 
Mathematics, to which was appended the following : " I 
must also add that he gave particular attention to the 
English language while here, and is probably better ac- 
quainted with its structure, propriety and force, than 
most of his years and standing in this country." Mr. 
Leake, however, did not engage in teaching, but entered 
upon the study of the law, and was admitted to practice 
in 1776. He began the practice in Salem, New Jersey, 
but in October, 1785, removed to Trenton, where he pur- 
sued his profession so successfully as to be able to retire 
before he was enfeebled by age. He paid unusual atten- 
tion to the students in his office, regularly devoting one 
hour every day to their examination. 

Mr. Leake died March 8, 1820. The epitaph on his 
tomb describes his character : " Educated to the Bar, he 
attained the highest degree of eminence. Distinguished 
for candour, integrity, zeal for his clients, and profound 
knowledge of jurisprudence, he fulfilled the duties of his 
station with singular usefulness, ' without fear and with- 
out reproach.' Deeply versed in human literature, and 
devoutly studious of the words of sacred truth, he lived 
the life of a Christian and died the death of the right- 
eous." 

Henry Brockholst Ijivingston was the son of 

Governor William Livingston, of New Jersey. In 1776 
he entered the military family of General Schuyler, com- 
mander of the Northern army, and was afterwards at- 
tached to the suit of Arnold at the time of the capture of 
Burgoyne. In 1779, when Mr. Jay, who had married his 
12 [ 177] 



1774- 

sister, repaired to the Court of Spain, Mr. Livingston ac- 
companied him as his private secretary. After three 
years' absence he returned and studied law, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in 1783. On the 8th of June, 1802, he 
was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of New 
York. In November, 1806, he was appointed Asso- 
ciate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. He died in Washington during a session of the 
court, March 18, 1823. His mind was acute and pow- 
erful, and he was distinguished as a scholar and a 
jurist. 

Thomas Harris Maccaule. Nothing is known of 
the parentage of Mr. Maccaule. He was ordained and 
settled as pastor of Centre Presbyterian Church in North 
Carolina in 1776. He entered warmly into the Revolu- 
tionary struggle, and in the time of the invasion went 
with his flock to the field, and was beside General David- 
son when he fell. Such was his reputation in civil life, 
that he was nominated for Governor, but lost his election 
by a few votes. 

In 1784 he was appointed President of Mount Zion 
College, South Carolina. The accommodations of the 
college at first were of the most primitive kind. Mr. 
Maccaule commenced his instructions in an old log- 
cabin about twenty -five feet by twenty, a story and a 
half high, with a single chimney. Upon taking charge 
he proposed enlarging the institution, on the plan of his 
Alma Mater at Princeton. His plan was adopted, and 
the institution was incorporated March 19, 1785. In 1786 
there were from sixty to eighty students in the college. 
Besides his duties in the college, Mr. Maccaule had 
charge of Jackson Creek and Mount Olivet Presbyterian 
Churghes, to whom he preached until September, 1792, 
when he resigned. 

In person, Mr. Maccaule was scarcely of a medium 
height, but of a stout frame and full body ; of dark, 
piercing eyes, a pleasant countenance and winning man- 

[•78] 



1774- 

ners. He had a fine voice, and was popular both as a 
preacher and a man. He died about 1796. 

Jonathan Mason was a Senator of the United States 
from Massachusetts from 1800 to 1803, and in the House 
of Representatives from 1817 to 1820. 

Lewis Morris entered the Continental Army from 
New York as a Major, and served during the whole war. 

William Stevens Smith, after graduating, com- 
menced the study of the law in New York City, and was 
about finishing his studies when the American Army as- 
sembled there after the unfortunate affair of Long Island. 
He immediately resolved to take arms in defence of his 
country, but his parents disapproving of this step, he 
enlisted as a common soldier, without making himself 
known, or pretending to any superior rank. Being one 
day on duty at the door of a general officer, he was dis- 
covered by a friend of the family, who spoke of him to 
that general officer. He was immediately invited to din- 
ner ; but he answered that he could not quit his duty ; 
his corporal was sent for to relieve him, and he returned 
to his post after dinner. A few days only elapsed before 
that general officer, charmed with his zeal, made him his 
aid-de-camp. In 1780 he commanded a battahon of light 
infantry under Lafayette, and the year following was 
made aid -de -camp to General Washington, with whom 
he remained until the peace. In 1783 Lieutenant-Colonel 
Smith was appointed, with two others, to superintend 
the embarkation of the British troops at the evacuation 
of New York. His correspondence with General Wash- 
ington while engaged in this duty is preserved in " New 
York in the Revolution," printed privately in 1861. In 
this correspondence, there is a list of books ordered by 
General Washington through Colonel Smith, which gives 
us an insight into the character of the reading which the 
Commander-in-Chief followed at this time. 



1774- 

At the close of the war, when John Adams was ap- 
pointed Minister-Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great 
Britain, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith became his Secretary 
of Legation. It was during his residence in that 
capacity at London that Mr. Smith became the son- 
in-law of Mr. Adams by marriage with his only daugh- 
ter. 

That Mr. Smith enjoyed the esteem of General Wash- 
ington, is apparent from the fact that, when, in the year 
1798, Washington was created by Congress Lieutenant- 
General and Commander-in-Chief of the United States 
Armies, the name of William S. Smith was immediately 
proposed by him to the Secretary of War as a brigadier- 
general, or, failing that, as an adjutant-general. He did 
not obtain either of these appointments, but was made col- 
onel, and afterwards, surveyor and inspector of the port 
of New York. He was engaged in the expedition under 
General Miranda, upon the failure of which he retired 
to the interior of New York State, from whence he was 
sent as representative to Congress in 181 3. He died in 
1816. 

Nicholas Bayard Van Cortlandt was a son of 

John and Hester Bayard Van Cortlandt, of New York, 
and a grandson of Stephen Van Cortlandt, of Second 
River, New Jersey. He was born March 19, 1756, and 
died at Parsipany, New Jersey, May i, 1782. 

John Warford received his license to preach from 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick in 1776, and was or- 
dained in 1777. In July, 1789, he was installed pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church at Salem, New York, where he 
preached for fourteen years. His Jieart was enlisted in 
the cause of Christian philanthropy and missionary en- 
terprise. 

Samuel Whitwell studied medicine and entered 
the Continental Army as a surgeon. He died in 1791. 

[180] 



1774- 

David Witherspoon was a son of President Wither- 
spoon. After graduating, he studied law, and emigrated 
to North Carolina, where, for several years, he was a 
successful practitioner at Newbern. 

[181] 



1775- 

Charles Clinton Beatty soon ended his course. 
He was the vSecond son of the Rev. Charles Beatty, that 
bright light in the early Presbyterian Church of this 
country. Instead of entering the ministry as he intend- 
ed, he entered the army, and was accidentally shot by a 
brother officer in October, 1776. 

John Dnrhurrow Blair was the son of the Rev. 

John Blair, at one time Vice-President of the college. 
On the recommendation of Dr. Witherspoon, he was ap- 
pointed in 1780, Principal of Washington Henry Acade- 
my in Virginia, where he remained for a number of 
years. 

On the 28th of October, 1784, he was licensed to preach 
by the Presbytery of Hanover, and installed as pastor of 
a church in Hanover County, Virginia, where Samuel 
Davies formerly preached with success. About 1792, 
Mr. Blair was induced to remove to Richmond and open 
a classical school. At the same time he began to gather 
a church, holding his services in the capitol. In due 
course of time a building was erected for his congrega- 
tion. But increasing infirmities soon brought his career 
to a close. He died January 10, 1823. 

Mr. Blair was highly esteemed in the community, and 
became intimate with the most enlightened men of Rich- 
mond, among whom were Judge Marshall and Judge 
Washington. Mr. Blair was a man of polished manners 
and fitted to adorn any company. He was of a medium 
height and of a slender figure, but had a great delicacy 
of person, and an uncommonly intellectual expression of 
countenance. As a preacher he was solid and orthodox. 

[ »82] 



^11 s- 

His style was graceful and polished, and his manner of 
delivery was in perfect keeping with his style. His voice 
was soft and pleasant and fell like music on the ear of his 
audience. 

Mr. Blair published a few occasional sermons during his life, and after 
his death a volume of his sermons was published under the direction of his 
successor the Rev. J. B. Hoge. 

Icliabocl Burnet, the second son of Dr. William 
Burnet of the class of 1749, joined the American army 
from New Jersey. In 1780, he was an aid to General 
Greene, with the rank of Major, and was stationed at 
West Point. He was one of the two officers designated 
by General Greene to communicate to Andre the sentence 
of the court, and to attend him to the place of execution. 
He died in 1783. 

Thomas B, Craighead was a son of the Rev. Alex- 
ander Craighead of Sugar Creek, North Carolina. He 
was ordained by the Presbytery of Orange in 1780. For 
a few months he preached at Sugar Creek, his native 
place, and then removed to Tennessee. Here he was 
brought to trial before the Presbytery for holding cer- 
, tain Pelagian views ; and the controversy which arose, 
lasted for many years. 

Mr. Craighead was one of the founders of Davidson 
Academy, which afterwards became Nashville Univer- 
sity. It originated in his little congregation, six miles 
east of Nashville, and Mr. Craighead became the first 
President, which position he held for two years and three 
months. 

Mr. Craighead was of a tall but spare figure, not less 
than six feet in height ; homely and hard features, with 
sandy hair and a large clear blue eye. His health was 
delicate and his voice was weak ; his manner grave and 
his actions natural, but not vehement. He excelled as 
an extemporaneous orator, but not as a writer. His elo- 
quence was of that fervid kind which captivates and car- 

[ >83 ] 



ries away the hearer even in spite of himself. He died 
in 1825. 

Mr. Craighead published : A Sermon on Regeneration, with an Address 
and an Appendix. Letters to Rev. J. P. Campbell, occasioned by his Let- 
ters to the Author, containing some original Disquisitions, Philosophical, 
Moral and Religious, Nashville, 181 1. These were connected with his 
controversy and trial. 

The Philosophy of the Human Mind, in respect to Religion, 1833. Es- 
says and Dialogues on the Powers and Susceptibilities of the Human Mind 
for Religion, i2mo, 1834. A Defence of the Elkhorn Association in six- 
teen letters to Elder Toler, 1822. 

Edward CraTvford received his license to preach from 
the Presbytery of Hanover in 1777. On the 27th of Oc- 
tober in the same year, he was settled as pastor of the Sink- 
ing Spring and Spreading Spring Congregations, Vir- 
ginia. Some time after 1786, he removed to Tennessee, 
and took charge of Glade Spring and Rocky Spring 
Churches, where he remained until 1803. Mr. Crawford 
was one of the original Trustees of Washington College, 
Tennessee. 

Samuel Doak, a son of Samuel Doak and Jane 
Mitchell, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, in Au- 
gust, 1749. After graduating, he assisted the Rev. Dr. • 
Smith in his school at Pequea, Pennsylvania. Shortly 
after this, he became tutor in Hampden Sidney College, 
and pursued his theological studies under Dr. J. B. Smith, 
the President, and afterwards with Rev. William Gra- 
ham at Timber Ridge. He was licensed to preach by 
the Presbytery of Hanover, October 31, 1777, soon after 
which he removed to Holston, in what is now a part of 
East Tennessee. Here he was in the midst of danger 
from the savages. On one occasion his wife was apprised 
by the barking of the dogs that the Indians were near. 
Taking her infant in her arms, she stealthily fled to the 
woods, and from her hiding place she saw the house and 
all that it contained burned by the Indians. After re- 
siding in Holston a year or two, Mr. Doak removed to 

[184] 



Washington County, and purchased a farm, and put up a 
small church edifice and a building" of logs for a school. 
The literary institution which he here started, was the 
first ever established in the Valley of the Mississippi. In 
1785, it was incorporated, with the name of Martin 
Academy, and in 1795 it became Washington College. 
From its incorporation as an Academy until 1818, Mr. 
Doak continued to preside over it, and the elders of his 
congregation formed a part of its Board of Trustees. 

While Mr. Doak was attending a meeting of the Gene- 
ral Assemby in Philadelphia, he received a donation of 
books for his college, which he carried in a sack upon a 
pack horse five hundred miles through forests and over 
mountains, and this constituted the nucleus of the library 
of Washington College. 

In 18 18, he resigned the Presidency, and removed to 
Bethel in the same State, and opened a private school 
which he called Tusculum, which has since under his 
son, grown into Tusculum College. 

Mr. Doak was also successful in his ministry. Several 
powerful revivals occurred in connection with it ; and 
many churches were founded by him. He was distin- 
guished for his talents and his usefulness, and may be 
considered the Apostle of Presbyterianism in Tennessee. 
His style of preaching was original, bold, pungent, and 
sometimes pathetic. He died October 6, 1820. 

John Joline was ordained by the Presbytery of New 
York and installed as pastor of the Church at Mendham, 
New Jersey, in May, 1778. About 1796 he resigned his 
charge, and on the 13th of June, 1797, was installed as 
pastor of the Churches at Florida and Warwick, Orange 
County, New York. Mr. Joline was regularly dismissed 
from this charge, but he probably died soon after, as his 
grave is at Florida, but without a monumental stone to 
record the date of his death. 

Isaac Stockton Keith, a native of Pennslyvania, was 

[185] 



engaged for a short time after graduating in teaching at 
Elizabethtown, New Jersey. In 1778, he was licensed 
by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and in 1780, became 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Alexandria, Vir- 
ginia. In 1788, he removed to Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, and was installed as pastor of an Independent 
Church in that city. For twenty-five years he laboured 
here, revered and beloved by all. 

Dr. Keith was large in stature, dignified in manner, 
grave in aspect and in speech, and you felt that you were 
in the presence of no ordinary man. He held a high 
rank as a preacher ; his discourses were well elaborated 
and his applications direct and pungent. Mr. Keith re- 
ceived the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
Philadelphia College in 1791. He died December 13, 
1813. 

Dr. Keith published about half-a-dozen sermons during his life. These, 
with two or three others, together also with the sermon occasioned by his 
death, a brief biographical notice of him, and a somewhat extended selec- 
tion from his correspondence, were published in a volume in the year, 1816. 

Andrew Kirkpatrick was descended from Scotch 
ancestors. His grandfather came to this country in 
1736. The subject of our sketch was born at Mine 
Brook, New Jersey, February 17, 1756. There being no 
railroads nor steamboats in those days, to carry young 
men to college, young Kirkpatrick was accustomed to 
walk to and fro between his home and Princeton, carry- 
ing his little knapsack with him. Soon after graduating 
he commenced the study of theology, but at the end of a 
few months he relinquished it for the law, as being more 
agreeable to his tastes. This step he took, knowing that 
by it he would forfeit his father's favour, and all pecu- 
niary aid from him. His resolution was deliberately 
taken, and he entered upon his favorite pursuit relying 
for subsistence upon his own extraordinary and unaided 
exertions. Completing his legal studies in the office of 
Judge Paterson, he was admitted to the Bar in 1785, 

[ 186 ] 



and commenced practice in Morristown, New Jersey. 
While living here, by a fire in 1787, he lost all of his 
law books, a very serious loss to one of his limited 
means. Returning' to New Brunswick, he was suc- 
cessful in obtaining a considerable practice, and was 
soon enabled to replace the volumes which had been 
destroyed. 

Mr. Kirkpatrick's remarkable success in his profession 
was the result, after a high order of intellect, of the 
energy of his character and the most persevering indus- 
try. In 1797, he was elected a member of the House of 
Assembly. He sat with this body during the first ses- 
sion, but on the 17th of January he resigned his seat, 
having accepted the position of a judge of the Supreme 
Court ; six years later he was advanced to the office of 
Chief- Justice. He was twice re-elected, holding the high 
position for twenty-one years. 

No one could enter the court in which he sat without 
being struck by his extraordinary personal presence. 
His snow-white hair, his clear, florid complexion, his 
dark lustrous eye, his strong but delicately chiselled 
features, the expression of gravity and firmness, blended 
with a placid sweetness in his countenance, his imposing 
form, and the graceful dignity with which he discharged 
his judicial duties, arrested the attention of all. 

Chiefrjustice Kirkpatrick was a learned, and in regard 
to real estate, a profoundly learned lawyer. He stood 
without a superior among American jurists. His mind 
was not rapid, but it was uncommonly exact ; and the 
want of quickness was carefully supplied by unwearying 
application to the object of investigation. He passea 
the last few years of his life retired from public employ- 
ment. 

Judge Kirkpatrick was one of the original trustees of 
the Theological Seminary at Princeton, and was the first 
President of the Board, holding that office until his death. 
He was a trustee of the college from 1807 to the time of 
his decease, and was one of the vice-presidents of the 

[>87] 



Alumni Association founded in 1826, James Madison be- 
ing president. 

In 18 1 3 Daniel Webster, at that time on a visit to Rich- 
ard Stockton, at the table of Samuel Bayard, Esq., who 
had invited him to meet his kinsman Kirkpatrick, and 
Ashbel Green, pronounced the Chief-Justice and the col- 
lege President to be two of the most remarkable men he 
had ever met. 

It would be a delightful task, if space permitted, to re- 
late the charming traits of this great man in his social 
relations and his grand and comprehensive views of the 
Christian system, as uttered in his declining years. 

He died in the parlour of his own house, in New Bruns- 
wick, on the 7th of January, 1831, and was buried in the 
grave-yard of the first Presbyterian Church, of which he 
was for many years a Trustee, and where, for half a cen- 
tury, he had listened to the Word of God. 

Charles ILee was a brother of Henry Lee of the class 
of 1773. He became an eminent lawyer, and in 1795 was 
appointed Attorney-General of the United States, to suc- 
ceed William Bradford. Mr. Lee died June 24, 18 15. 

Spruce Macay came to college from North Carolina. 
After graduating, he returned to his home in Rowan 
County, and entered upon the practice of law. In 1790 
he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Law 
and Equity. He was for some years in the State Legis- 
lature. 

Mr. Macay died in 1808. 

James McRee was born in North Carolina, May 10, 
1752. He spent the first year after graduating as tutor 
in a private family in Virginia. He then studied theol- 
ogy, and was licensed by Concord Presbytery in April, 
1778, and was immediately settled as pastor of Steel 
Creek Congregation in North Carolina, where he re- 
mained about twenty years. In 1798 he left Steel Creek 

[188] 



and settled as pastor of Centre Church, and continued its 
pastor about thirty years. On account of the infirmities 
of age, he was at last compelled to cease preaching. Mr. 
McRee received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
the University of North Carolina in 1810. 

In person Dr. McRee was of middling stature, hand- 
somely proportioned. He was agreeable in his manners, 
winning in conversation, neat in dress, dignified in the 
pulpit, fluent in his delivery, and was a most popular 
preacher. He retained his influence long after he ceased 
active work. He was always a friend of education, and 
in the latter part of his life became increasingly anxious 
for the prosperity of academies, colleges and theological 
seminaries, being deeply convinced that the welfare of 
the country depended upon intelligence, morality and 
religion. 

Dr. McRee died March 28, 1840. 

John Montgomery was born in Augusta County, 
Virginia. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Han- 
over, October 28, 1778, and was for a time tutor in Lib- 
erty Hall, Virginia. He was ordained April 26, 1780, 
and settled as pastor of Cedar Creek and Opecquon 
Churches in Virginia. After spending a few years with 
these congregations, in 1789 he removed to Augusta 
County. Here he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. 
Montgomery was a very popular preacher, a good scholar 
and an amiable man. In the latter part of his life his 
ministry was interrupted by bodily infirmities. 

John Kichardson Bayard Rodgers was a son of 

the distinguished clergyman, Rev. John Rodgers, of New 
York. He received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 
Edinburgh, and became a practitioner of medicine in 
New York city, and was for many years the leading phy- 
sician in the city and a professor in Columbia College. 
He was distinguished for his benevolence and high Chris- 
tian character. He was an Elder in the First Presbyte- 

[189] 



rian Church for a long time. Dr. Rodgers was the father 
of the late eminent surgeon, J. Kearny Rodgers, of New 
York, and of the Rev. Ravaud K. Rodgers, D.D., of 
New Jersey. He died in 1833. 

Archibald Scott was a lonely emigrant from Scot- 
land to Pennsylvania, and in early life followed the 
plough for a livelihood. He received his early education 
at the school of Mr., afterwards President, Finley. After 
leaving college he studied theology with William Gra- 
ham, supporting himself in the meantime by teaching. 
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Hanover, October 
31, 1777. For about a year he supplied various churches 
in the Valley of Virginia, and in December, 1778, was or- 
dained and installed pastor of North Mountain and 
Brown's meeting-house, afterwards called Bethel. He 
remained here for more than twenty years. 

During the Revolution Mr. Scott and his congre- 
gation were warm patriots. Captain Tate and his 
company were from this congregation. On the eve 
of their departure to the field, which proved to be 
the battle of the Cowpens, Dr. Waddel addressed them, 
and exhorted them to patriotism and courage and 
prompt obedience to the military rules, under v/hich 
they now came. The day after the battle of Guil- 
ford, news was brought that Tarlton with his force was 
approaching. Mr. Scott was at the time hearing a class 
in the catechism. This he hastily dismissed, and went 
home to spread the alarm. Mr. Scott was sound in doc- 
trine and very tender in his preaching. His useful- 
ness was increasing and his hold on his people growing 
stronger and stronger till the day of his death. He died 
March 4, 1799. 

John Anderson Scudder, after graduating, studied 
medicine. He served for a number of years in the Leg- 
islature of New Jersey, and in 18 10 was appointed to 
Congress to fill an unexpired term. 

[190] 



John Springer. In a letter which Mr. Springer 
wrote, while a sophomore in college, to a merchant in 
London who had taken an interest in him, he gives an 
account of his religious experience, and a brief account 
of the college, and concludes, " May the same hand that 
has reared and supported this institution, continue to 
bless it to the latest ages, and to make it a continual foun- 
tain from whence streams may issue to make glad the 
city of God." 

Mr. Springer was a native of Delaware. After gradu- 
ating, he acted as tutor in the college ; and in the early 
part of the Revolution was a tutor in Hampden Sidney 
College, Virginia. When Virginia became the seat of 
war, he removed to North Carolina and opened an acad- 
emy, and from thence to South Carolina, where he taught 
with distinguished success at White Hall and Cam- 
bridge. On the 1 8th of October, 1788, he was licensed 
by Orange Presbytery, and supplied various churches 
until July 21, 1790, when he was ordained by the Pres- 
bytery of South Carolina, and installed pastor of a Pres- 
byterian Church at Washington, Georgia ; the services 
taking place under the shade of a tall tree, there being 
no church edifice. Mr. Springer was the first Presby- 
terian minister ordained south of the Savannah river, 
and the first minister in the upper part of Georgia. Be- 
sides the charge of his church, he taught an academy, at 
which John Forsyth, of the class of 1799, was fitted for 
college. Mr. Springer was an attractive preacher, and 
delivered his discourses, which were unwritten, with un- 
common ease and elegance. The Lecture and Sermon 
which were parts of trial before Presbytery, were pub- 
lished in Augusta, Georgia, in 1805, with a short Life 
prefixed. He died September 30, 1798. 

Isaac Tichenor became a lawyer, and soon rose to 
eminence in Vermont. In 1791 he was appointed a Judge 
of the Supreme Court of the State, which position he held 
until 1797, being at that time the Chief-Justice. In Oc- 



tober of that year, he was elected Governor of the State, 
which office he held with fidelity for eleven years. Mr. 
Tichenor was elected to the Senate of the United States 
in 1796, and held the same position from 181 5 to 1821. 
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws 
from Dartmouth in 1789. He died in December, 1838. 

[ 192] 



1776. 

IS'athaniel Alexander was bom in North Carolina. 
On his return to his native State, he studied medicine, 
but the war coming on, he reHnquished his studies and 
entered the army. At the close of the war he returned 
to his profession. In 1805 he represented the State in 
the United States House of Representatives ; and in 
1806 was elected Governor of North Carolina. In all 
his public stations he discharged his duty with ability 
and firmness. He died March 8, 1808. 

William Richardson Davie came from England 
when quite young. He joined the American Army while 
a student in college, but returned and graduated with 
his class. On rejoining the army, he became an officer 
in Pulaski's Legion of Cavalry, where, by his talents and 
zeal, he soon rose to the rank of Colonel. At the battle 
of Stono he was severely wounded. After the defeat of 
General Gates, he asked the Legislature of North Caro- 
lina to raise a troop of cavalry, but they professing them- 
selves to be too poor, he, with a patriotism worthy of 
lasting record, disposed of every cent of an estate be- 
queathed to him by an uncle, and equipped the troop 
with the proceeds. Taking command of the regiment, 
he was in all the battles that followed in the Southern 
campaign. He stood high in the esteem of General 
Greene, who appointed him a Commissary General. 

After the war General Davie devoted himself to the 
practice of the law ; and if his career in arms had been 
brilliant, his success at the Bar more than eclipsed his 
military fame. He was a member of the Convention 
that framed the Constitution of the United States, 
»5 [ 193 ] 



1776. 

though his absence prevented his name being affixed to 
it. In 1 79 1 he was a member of the Legislature of North 
Carolina. In 1799 he was elected Governor of North 
Carolina, but was soon after appointed Envoy to France 
with Ellsworth and Murray. His efforts in the Legisla- 
ture in behalf of education deserve to be preserved. '' I 
was present," says Judge Murphy, " in the House of 
Commons when Davie addressed that body, asking for 
a loan of money to erect the buildings of the University 
of North Carolina; and although more than thirty years 
have elapsed, I have the most vivid recollection of the 
greatness of his manner and the power of his eloquence 
upon that occasion. His eloquence was irresistible." 

In 1798 he was appointed Brigadier- General in the 
North Carolina Militia, and prepared a System of Cav- 
alry Tactics, which was printed by order of the State. 
The University of North Carolina conferred upon him 
the degree of Doctor of Laws in 181 1. General Davie 
died in South Carolina, November 8, 1820. 

Jonathan Dayton was a son of General Elias Day- 
ton, of New Jersey. In 1778 he entered the American 
Army as Paymaster; in 1779 accompanied General Sul- 
livan on his Western Expedition, and in 1780 was a Cap- 
tain in his father' s regiment. After the Peace, he was 
chosen to the Legislature of New Jersey, of which he 
was Speaker in 1790. He represented his native State 
in the Convention, 1787, for the formation of the Federal 
Constitution, and in 1791 was elected to Congress. Thrice 
he was re-elected, serving four terms in the House, of 
which he was Speaker from 1795 to 1799. ^^ ^799 he 
was chosen Senator of the United States, and served 
until 1805. He was appointed by President Adams a 
Brigadier - General, with the privilege of retaining his 
seat in the Senate. 

General Dayton became largely interested with Symmes 
and others in the purchase and settlement of Western 
military lands, the town of Dayton, in Ohio, being named 

[194] 



1776. 

in compliment to him. His early intimacy in boyhood 
with Aaron Burr, and his later association with him in 
the Senate of the United States, led him to look with 
more favour than prudence would have dictated upon 
the schemes of that aspiring and crafty politician ; so 
that, by advancing money to aid Burr in his adventures, 
he became compromised with him in the charge of treas- 
on. The indictment, however, was not tried, and Mr. 
Dayton's bail was released. This unhappy affair, and the 
breaking up of the Federal party, of which he was a 
leader, put an end to Mr. Dayton's political aspirations. 
He was subsequently elected repeatedly to the Upper 
House of the New Jersey Legislature, and held several 
important offices in his native town. He received in 
1798, from his Alma Mater, the honorary degree of Doctor 
of Laws. His later days were passed at home in the 
enjoyment of a comfortable competence, respected and 
venerated by all who knew him. He died October 9, 
1824. 

Benjamin Erwin was ordained by the Presbytery 
of Hanover, June 20, 1780, and settled as pastor of Mossy 
Creek and Cooks Creek Presbyterian Churches, Virginia. 
He remained in this charge until an advanced age, when 
he resigned. 

George Faitoute acted as a tutor in the college for 
a short time after graduating. He received his license 
from the Presbytery of New Brunswick about 1778, and 
was ordained and settled at Greenwich, New Jersey, in 
1782. In 1789 he removed to Long Island, and became 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Jamaica, where he 
died suddenly on Sabbath, August 21, 181 5, having 
preached with his usual vigor in the morning. Mr. 
Faitoute was an amiable, pious man. 

John Evans Finley, a nephew of President Finley, 
was licensed to preach by New Castle Presbytery about 

[19s] 



1776. 

1780, and was settled at Faggs Manor, Pennsylvania. 
About the year 1795 he removed to Kentucky, and be- 
came pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bracken, 
Mason County, where he exercised his ministry during 
the great revival in the West. 

Joseph Washington Henderson was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Donegal sometime between 1778 and 

1 78 1, and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of 
Great Connewago, Pennsylvania, where he remained 
until 1797. From 1799 to 1824 he was pastor of the 
Churches of Bethlehem and Ebenezer in Western Penn- 
sylvania. 

John Wilkes Kittera lived and practiced law in 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He represented Pennsylvania 
in Congress from 1791 to 1801, when he was appointed 
United States District Attorney for the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania. 

Henry Philip Livingston was the youngest son 
of Philip Livingston, the signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, and a brother of Philip Phills Livingston 
of the class of 1758. Immediately after graduating, he 
entered the American Army, and became an officer in the 
celebrated Body Guard of General Washington. An 
estimate of his character may be formed by an extract 
from a letter written to his brother-in-law announcing 
the death of his father. The letter is dated Yorkville, 
June 14, 1778, and was written when he was but eighteen 
years old : " I sincerely lament," he writes, " that Pro- 
vidence has made it necessary to address my friends on 
so mournful an occasion as the present. Oh ! for words 
to soften their distress and lessen the bitter pangs of 
grief! I feel myself unequal to the duty, and utterly at 
a loss what to say. My dear friend ! have you received 
my letter of the i ith ? Avritten with intent to prepare the 
minds of the family for the melancholy subject of this, 

[.96] 



1776. 

and to prevent, in some measure, the effects of a too sud- 
den impression. Unhappily, my apprehensions were not 
ill founded, for the disorder was too malignant and obsti- 
nate to struggle with. 

'' Must I tell you ! my dear father expired early on the 
morning of the 12th, and was buried the same evening. 
. . . . My dear mother and sister ! grieve not immo- 
derately, even at the loss of an excellent husband and 
parent ! Consider that worth and excellence cannot ex- 
empt one from the lot of human nature, for no sooner do 
we enter the world than we begin to leave it. It is not 
only natural, but commendable to regret the loss of so 
tender a connection, but what can an excess of sorrow 
avail ?" 

Cyrus Pierson, a son of Deacon John Pierson, of 
South Orange, New Jersey, after leaving college studied 
medicine, and became a highly respectable practitioner in 
Newark, where he died, October, 1804. Dr. McWhorter's 
old book of funerals and marriages testifies, that at the 
funeral of Dr. Pierson he " received a scarf but no gloves." 

John Pintard entered upon the study of the law, 
but never practiced. During the Revolution he joined 
a company commanded by a professor of the college, 
and afterwards acted for three years as clerk to his uncle, 
Lewis Pintard, commissioner for American prisoners in 
New York City. For a short time he was editor of the 
New York Commercial Advertiser, and afterwards became 
eminent as a merchant. Mr. Pintard was the chief founder 
of the New York Historical Society, and was the zealous 
promoter of other useful institutions. He was an intel- 
ligent antiquary, and author of a number of papers in 
periodicals of the day. 

He died in 1844. 

Among the best known of his productions, are an Account of the City of 
New Orleans, published in New York in the Medical Repository ; and a 
\l Notice of Philip Freneau in the New York Mirror for June 12, 1833. 

[ ^91 ] 



1776. 

Joseph Rue, a native of New Jersey, was ordained 
by the Presbytery of New Brunswick in 1784, and 
was settled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Pennington, New Jersey. Here he remained a faithful 
pastor for forty-one years. He died in 1826. 

John Rutherford was born in New York City, and 
was a nephew of William Alexander, Earl of Stirling. 
He became a lawyer. From 1791 to 1798 he represented 
New York in the United States Senate, and was the last 
survivor of the senators during the administration of 
Washington. He early retired from public life, and re- 
sided upon his large landed estate in New Jersey until 
his death, which occurred February 23, 1840. 

Nathaniel Welshard Sample came to Princeton 
from Pennsylvania. He was licensed by the New Castle 
Presbytery in 1799. Having supplied a church at St. 
Georges, Delaware, for six months, and declining their 
call to settle, he accepted a call to Leacock, Lancaster, 
and Middle Octorara Churches in Pennsylvania. His 
relation to these churches continued forty years. He 
was released from his charge September 26, 1821, and 
died August 26, 1834. 

Samuel Shannon received his license to preach 
from the Presbytery of Hanover, October 25, 1781, and 
in 1784 was ordained and settled as pastor of Windy 
Cove and Blue Spring Congregations in Virginia. About 
1788 he removed to Kentucky, and became pastor of 
Bethel and Sinking Spring Presbyterian Churches, where 
he preached four years. He then took charge of Wood- 
ford Church, of which he continued pastor until 1806. 

In the war of 18 12, Mr. Shannon volunteered to ac- 
company the Northern Army as a chaplain. He was a 
man of great physical strength. His fist was like a 
sledge-hammer, and he is said to have lopped off a stout 
bough at a single stroke of his sword when charging 

[ 198 J 



1776. 

through the woods. Notwithstanding his strength, he 
was one of the best-natured men in the world, and noth- 
ing could provoke or ruffle him. To a rough, awkward, 
slovenly appearance, was added a slow and stammering 
utterance. He laboured indefatigably, but had no anima- 
tion. The latter years of his life were employed in mis- 
sionary labours, chiefly in the destitute regions of Indiana. 
He died in the summer of 1822. 

Benjamin Parker Snowden, the first of five 
brothers who graduated at Princeton, was the son of 
Isaac Snowden, of Philadelphia, for a number of years a 
Trustee of the College. The son, after leaving college, 
studied medicine, and was lost at sea. 

Nehemiali Wade was admitted as an Attorney of 
the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the September 
Term, 1784. He lived and died in Elizabethtown, New 
Jersey. 



1777- 

James Ashton Bayard was the eldest son of that 
distinguished friend of his country, Colonel John Bayard, 
of Philadelphia. He was born in 1760, and therefore 
graduated at the early age of seventeen. Mr. Bayard 
married a daughter of the Rev. John Rodgers, of New 
York. There is an interesting incident related of him 
h^ his sister. Owing to the progress of the war, the 
College at Princeton was vacated. Dr. Witherspoon 
was in Congress, and the other officers and students 
were dispersed. Mr. Bayard, among the others, had to 
return home. He procured a horse, and took, what he 
supposed, the safest road to avoid the enemy. Unfortu- 
nately he fell in with a party of marauders, who seized 
him, and inquired his name. When he told them, they 
immediately pronounced him a rebel. They then pin- 
ioned his arms and carried him to Philadelphia, and com- 
mitted him to prison, where a fearful doom awaited him. 
His mother hearing the sad news, obtained a safe conduct, 
and made application to the commanding officer, and was 
successful in securing the release of her son. Several 
years after he pointed out to his sister the place where 
he stood when the order for his release came ; it was a 
gate by the roadside ; the halter was round his neck, and 
he was awaiting the moment of execution. Mr. Bayard 
died in 1788. 

James Crawford graduated in perilous times, and, 
on account of the proximity of the British army, failed 
to get his degree at the proper time, but received it after- 
wards. A curious trait of the times is seen in the certifi- 
cate of church membership which his pastor, the Rev. 

[ 200 ] 



1777- 

John Craighead, gave him the year of his graduation ; to 
the usual certificate was added these words : " And also 
he appears well affected to the cause of American liber- 
ty !" When we bear in mind the probability, from the 
date, that this was furnished as a part of the credentials 
necessary for his reception by the Presbytery as a candi- 
date, it gives us insight into the political preferences of 
the Presbyterian clergy. Warm patriots themselves, it 
doubtless constituted a strong recommendation for a 
candidate to entertain similar sentiments. In 1779 Mr. 
Crawford was licensed by Hanover Presbytery, and in 
1784 he removed to Kentucky, where he settled at 
Walnut Hill, and gathered and organized a flourishing 
church. He remained here until his death, which took 
place in 1803. Mr. Crawford was a plain-looking man of 
very grave demeanour ; not a popular preacher, but 
highly useful and instructive. 

John Young Noel read law in the office of the Hon. 
William Paterson, of the class of 1763, and was admitted 
as an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at 
the April Term, 1783 ; and as a Counsellor at the May 
term, 1786. Mr. Noel removed soon after to the State 
of Georgia, and became one of the most eminent lawyers 
in the South. Many of the most distinguished men in 
Georgia studied law in his office, among whom were Gov- 
ernor Troup and Governor Forsyth, both graduates of 
Princeton. Mr. Noel died in Augusta, Georgia. 

[ 201 ] 



1778. 

William Boyd was a native of Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania. On leaving college he engaged for a few 
years in teaching, first an academy in Annapolis, Mary- 
land, and then a school near Baltimore. In 1783 he was 
licensed by the Presbytery of Donegal. In 1784 he be- 
came pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Lamington, 
New Jersey, where he remained till the close of life. In 
1800 he was elected a Trustee of the College of New 
Jersey, which office he held while he lived. Mr. Boyd 
was a man of great dignity and gravity. His mind was 
cast in a superior mould. He had a vein of keen wit, 
which he brought into exercise on suitable occasions, but 
never in a way to disparage his ministerial character. 
He was distinguished for uncommon knowledge of the 
Scriptures. He never used notes in the pulpit, but his 
thoughts were always well matured. His manner was 
animated and earnest, and well fitted to secure attention. 
He died May 17, 1807. 

Jacob Morton studied law and was admitted an At- 
torney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the Sep- 
tember term, 1782. He removed soon after to the city 
of New York, where he became prominent at the Bar. 
In 1797 he was appointed, by Governor Jay, Justice of 
the Peace in a new court just established by the Legisla- 
ture. The governor selected several of the most prom- 
ising young lawyers for these positions. John Wells, of 
the class of 1788, was an associate of Mr. Morton on the 
Bench. From 1807 to 1808 he was Comptroller of the 
City of New York. During the war of 1812 Mr. Morton 
was quite prominent, and became a general of militia. 

[ 202 ] 



1778. 

He never returned to the active pursuit of his profession, 
but was for twenty years the Clerk of the Common Coun- 
cil of New York City. Mr. Morton died in 1837. 

Joseph Scudder was the son of Nathaniel Scudder, 
of the class of 175 1, and the father of the distinguished 
missionary, Rev. Dr. John Scudder. He was admitted to 
the Bar by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, in No- 
vember, 1786, and practiced law in New Brunswick and 
in Freehold, New Jersey. For a number of years he was 
the Clerk of Monmouth County. 

Peter Wilson was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick about 1785, and was settled as pastor 
of Hackettstown and Mansfield Presbyterian Churches, 
New Jersey, where he remained until his death, July 
24, 1799. 

Matthew Woods was ordained by the Presbytery 
of Donegal about 1783, and died September 13, 1784. 
Whether Mr. Woods was a pastor during the few months 
that intervened between his ordination and his death, I 
have not discovered. 

[203 ] 



1779. 

Andrew Bayard was a son of Colonel John Bayard, 
and a brother of James Ashton Bayard of the class of 
1777. He became a merchant in Philadelphia, and was 
for many years the President of the Commercial Bank in 
that city. In 1808 Mr. Bayard was elected a Trustee of 
the College, and served in that position until 1823. He 
died in 1832. 

Matthew MeCallister, although a native of Penn- 
sylvania, entered the profession of the law and began the 
practice in the State of Georgia about 1783. He soon 
became distinguished for the fidelity with which he dis- 
charged the many public and private duties which de- 
volved upon him. From May 25, 1801, to May 26, 1802, 
he was Judge of the Superior Courts of the Eastern Dis- 
trict of Georgia. He died May 9, 1823, deeply regretted 
by all who knew him. 

George Merchant, after graduating, became an emi- 
nent classical teacher. 

James Riddle, a native of Pennsylvania, served as a 
tutor in college for two years after graduating. He be- 
came a lawyer, and attained some eminence. He was for 
a long time Judge of the High Court of Errors and Ap- 
peals of Pennsylvania. Judge Riddle was a man of learn- 
ing and worth. He died February 5, 1837. 

Richard Stockton was a son of Richard Stockton 
of the class of 1748. He was admitted to the Bar at the 
age of twenty, and soon became distinguished for his 

[ 204] 



1779- 

legal ability. From 1796 to 1799 he represented New 
Jersey in the United States Senate, and from 18 13 to 181 5 
was in the House of Representatives. He was eminently 
distinguished for his talents ; was an eloquent and pro- 
found lawyer, and during more than a quarter of a cen- 
tury was at the head of the New Jersey Bar. He re- 
ceived the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Co- 
lumbia College in 1815, and from Union College in 1816. 
He was for thirty-seven years a Trustee of the College. 
He died in Princeton, New Jersey, March 7, 1828. Mr. 
Stockton was the father of the late Commodore Robert 
F. Stockton, and the grandfather of the Hon. John P. 
Stockton of the United States Senate. 

Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, the eldest son of 
Eli as and Mary J. Woodruff, was born at Elizabethtown, 
New Jersey, September 12, 1762. He was the Valedicto- 
rian of his class. Mr. Woodruff was admitted to the Bar 
in 1784. In 1793 he was elected Attorney-General of the 
State, and was annually re-elected, except in 181 1, until 
his death. He also served in the Legislature. He was 
for many years a trustee in the Presbyterian Church in 
Trenton. The epitaph upon Mr. Woodruff's tomb de- 
scribes well his character : " For twenty-four years he fill- 
ed the important station of Attorney-General with incor- 
ruptible integrity. Adverse to legal subtleties, his pro- 
fessional knowledge was exerted in the cause of truth and 
justice. The native benevolence of his heart made him 
a patron of the poor, a defender of the fatherless ; it ex- 
ulted in the joys, or participated in the sorrows, of his 
friends." 

[205 ] 



1780. 

Ebenezer Stockton, a native of New Jersey, stud- 
ied medicine and entered the army as a surgeon. After 
the war he practiced for many years in Princeton. He 
was a man of professional skill, and was highly esteemed 
by the whole community during a long life. Towards 
the close of his life, he gave up the practice of his profes- 
sion on account of bodily infirmity. Dr. Stockton died 
in 1837. 

Samuel W. VenaMe fought bravely in the Revolu- 
tionary war. After leaving college he expected to study 
law, but was led by some circumstances to engage in 
merchandise, which he carried on largely in Prince Ed- 
ward County, Virginia. 

Mr. Venable was a man of clear head and sound judg- 
ment, and had made observations on the characters of 
men as they passed before him ; and these observations 
he reduced to maxims. He was one of the main found- 
ers of Hampden Sidney College. Dr. Archibald Alexan- 
der was accustomed to speak of him as the most remark- 
able instance of wisdom matured by experience and 
observation, that he had ever known ; in which respect 
he was fond of comparing him to Franklin. 

When about fifty years of age, Mr. Venable relinquished 
active business, hoping to spend the rest of his life in a 
course of reading and study ; but he soon fell into a hy- 
pochondriac state, fancying that his lungs were seriously 
affected, and the opinions of his friends and physicians 
could not convince him of his error. Colonel Venable 
died suddenly at the Virginia Springs in 1825. 

[206] 



1780. 

• Abraham B. Venable, a brother of the preceding, 
also became distinguished for his patriotic ardour on the 
field of battle. He represented Virginia in Congress 
from 1 79 1 to 1799; and from 1803 to 1804 he was in the 
Senate of the United States. He perished in the burn- 
ing of the Richmond theatre, December 26, 18 11. 

L 207 ] 



I78I. 

Joseph Clark was from Elizabethtown, New Jer- 
sey. When the British entered the State, he left college 
and Joined the American Army. He continued several 
years in the service of his country, rendered important 
aid in the Revolutionary contest, and received attentions 
from distinguished military characters, very flattering to 
a youth of his age. On leaving the army he returned to 
Princeton and received his degree. 

On the 23d of April, 1783, he was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of New Brunswick, and commenced preaching at 
Allentown, New Jersey, but was not installed as pastor 
until June, 1788. 

In 1796, he removed to New Brunswick as pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church, where he remained until his 
death. In 1802, he was elected a Trustee of the College, 
and remained in office till his death. In 1809, he re- 
ceived the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Jefferson 
College. 

Dr. Clark's health was always feeble, but notwith- 
standing, he was one of the most active ministers of the 
day. He possessed a mind of a high order, enlarged and 
cultivated by much study. In the pulpit he was solemn 
and dignified ; his discourses solid and judicious. He 
possessed extraordinary colloquial powers and a strong 
relish for cultivated society. In details of business, few 
men probably have surpassed him. In person, he was of 
full medium stature, but slender ; his eyes sharp and 
blue ; his hair light and not very abundant. His mem- 
ory well deserves to be honoured and embalmed. He 
died October 19, 181 3. 

Dr. Clark's only publications were : A Sermon occasioned by the death 

[ 208 ] 



I78I. 

of the Hon. William Paterson, 1806. Two Discourses in the New Jersey 
Preacher, 18 13. 

William Crawford served in the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States, from Pennsylvania, from 
1809 to 1 8 17. He died in 1823. 

William Branch Giles entered Congress from 
Virginia as early as 1796, where he remained for many 
years. In 181 1, he was elected to the United States 
Senate, but resigned his seat in 181 5. In 1826, he was 
elected Governor of Virginia, and continued in office 
three years. He died December 8, 1830. 

Governor Giles published: A Speech on the Embargo Laws, 1808. Po- 
litical Letters to the people of Virginia, 18 13. A Series of Letters, signed 
"A Constituent," in the Richmond Enquirer, January, 18 18, against the plan 
for general education. And a number of Letters on Public Affairs. 

Edward Livingston was a brother of Robert R. 
Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, and was re- 
lated to the family of Governor Livingston of New Jer- 
sey. He was born at Claremont, Livingston Manor, 
New York, in 1764. After graduating, he studied law 
with his brother the Chancellor, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 1785. He pursued his profession in New York 
City until 1794, when he was elected to Congress, and 
held the seat until 1802. Returning to New York, he was 
appointed by Jefferson United States District Attorney, 
being at the same time Mayor of the city. In 1804, Mr. 
Livingston removed to New Orleans, where he imme- 
diately became conspicuous at that Bar. At the invasion 
of Louisiana, he acted as aid to General Jackson. In 
1823, he was elected a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and in 1829 was transferred to the United 
States Senate. In 1831, he was appointed Secretary of 
State, and in 1833, Minister to France. 

Mr. Livingston was employed, with others, by the 
Legislature of Louisiana, to prepare a system of Juris- 
prudence, and also of Municipal law, and performed the 
14 [ 209 ] 



1781. 

service with great industry and deep research. His 
Penal Code, his own unaided work, is a monument of his 
profound learning, and his desire to promote the welfare 
of mankind. Mr. Livingston died in 1836. 

The publications of Mr. Livingston are : Judicial Opinions delivered 
in the Mayor's Court in the City of New York, 1802. The Batture Case at 
New Orleans, 8vo, 1808. The Batture Case ; in answer to President Jeffer- 
son's pamphlet of 18 12-18 14, Reports made to the General Assembly of 
the State of Louisiana, of the Plan of the Penal Code of said State, 8vo, 
1822. (This was reprinted in London and Paris.) A System of Penal 
Law for the State of Louisiana, 1826. 

[210] 



1782. 

Conrad Elmendorf was a member of the House 
of Representatives from New York from 1797 to 1803 ; 
and a member of the New York Assembly during 1804, 
1805 ; and a State Senator from 18 14 to 1817. 

John A. Hanna came to college from Pennsylvania. 
After his graduation he resided at Harrisburg, and from 
1792 to 1805 he was a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States. Mr. Hanna died in 
1805. 

William Mahon received a license to preach from 
the Presbytery of Hanover about 1790. He presided at 
the meeting of Presbytery at which Dr. Archibald Alex- 
ander was ordained in 1794. In 1796 he removed to 
Kentucky, and became pastor of New Providence Church 
in Transylvania Presbytery, but was brought before Pres- 
bytery on various charges, and admonished to maintain 
a stricter guard over his temper. The people being dis- 
satisfied with him, the connection was dissolved by Pres- 
bytery, October 5, of the same year. Mr. Mahon was 
finally deposed for drunkenness in 1804. He applied in 
18 1 2 to be restored ; but the Presbytery, not being satis- 
fied of his reformation, refused his request. 

Robert Pearson studied law after his graduation, 
and was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of 
New Jersey at the April Term, 1789 ; and as a Counsellor 
at the May Term, 1794. He practiced in Gloucester 
County, New Jersey. 

[2.1] 



1782. 

Richard N. Venable, a brother of Abraham B. and 
Samuel W. Venable of the class of 1780, studied law, and 
practiced in Prince Edward County, Virginia, where he 
died in 1805. 

Samuel Wilson received a license to preach from 
the Presbytery of New Castle, and became pastor of 
Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania, about 
1788. He remained in this charge until his death in 
1799. 

[212] 



1783. 

Timothy Ford was the eldest son of Colonel Jacob 
Ford, Jr., of Morris County, New Jersey, and brother of 
Gabriel Ford of the class of 1784, and Jacob Ford of the 
class of 1792. His father died in 1777, and he was reared 
by his mother, at whose house Washington had his head- 
quarters, while the army was at Morristown. 

Ashbel Green was born at Hanover, New Jersey, 
July 6, 1762. He was the son of the Rev. Jacob Green, 
who was for forty -five years pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Hanover. When only sixteen years old, Mr. 
Green entered the army as a private, and rose to be ser- 
geant of his company. On one occasion, after a ren- 
contre with a party of British troops, his captain said to 
his company, " I think you might get a shot at those men 
in the boats! Who of you will try?" ''I will," was 
Green's immediate answer ; and although onl}^ one other 
man would accompany him, he was as good as his word. 
He was also present with the American troops who pur- 
sued the British after they had burned the village of Con- 
necticut Farms, and murdered the wife of the Rev. James 
Caldwell. At this time Mr. Green was the teacher of a 
classical school ; and on both the above occasions he dis- 
missed his school to rally with others around the stand- 
ard of his country. 

The Commencement at which Mr. Green graduated, 
was a memorable one. Congress had been driven 
by a disorderly corps of soldiers from Philadelphia, 
and had adjourned to Princeton. They held their 
sessions in the library of the college. Dr. Boudinot, 
a trustee of the college, was then President of Con- 

[213] 



1783- 

gress, and General Washington was in attendance, in the 
latter part of the summer and beginning of autumn, for 
the final disbanding of the army. 

On the arrival of the Commencement, Congress, as a 
compliment to the college, and their own president, as 
well as to the president of the college, who had recently 
been one of their own members, determined to adjourn 
and attend the exercises of the day. A large stage was 
erected, on which were seated all the members of Con- 
gress, two foreign ministers and General Washington. 
At the close of the valedictory oration, which had been 
assigned to Mr. Green, he had an address of some length 
to the General. Let me give the words of Dr. Green : 
*' The General colored as I addressed him, but his mod- 
esty was among the qualities which so highly distinguish- 
ed him. The next day, as he was going to attend a Commit- 
tee of Congress, he met me in one of the long entries of 
the college edifice, stopped, and took me by the hand, and 
complimented me on my address in language which 
I should lack his modesty if I repeated it even to you." 

Mr. Green held the office of tutor in the college for 
two years, and was then appointed to the Chair of Mathe- 
matics and Natural Philosophy, which he retained for a 
year and a half. In February, 1786, he was licensed to 
preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick. In May, 
1787, he was settled as colleague of Rev. Dr. Sproat, in 
Philadelphia ; and the same year was elected a member 
of the American Philosophical Society. In 1792 the 
University of Pennslyvania conferred upon him the de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity ; and the same year he was 
elected Chaplain to Congress, and was re-elected by 
every successive Congress till the removal to Washing- 
ton. Dr. Green was one of the chief instruments in 
founding the Theological Seminary at Princeton. In 
August, 18 1 2, he was elected President of the College; 
and in the same year received the degree of Doctor of 
Laws from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Green 
occupied the Presidential Chair until 1822, when, on ac- 

[2J4] 



1783- 

count of increasing infirmity, he resigned. He imme- 
diately took up his residence in Philadelphia, and became 
the editor of the Christian Advocate ^ a monthly religious 
magazine. The work was continued through twelve vol- 
umes, in which the editor displayed the fertility of his 
active, well-disciplined mind, the extent of his learning, 
the acuteness of his critical powers, and his devotion to 
the interests of the kingdom of Christ. 

The last regular sermon preached by this venerable 
man was in the African Church at Princeton, July 16, 
1843, i" his eighty-second year. He died on the 14th of 
May, 1848. 

Dr. Green in person was of a medium height, but port- 
ly, having features well formed ; a florid complexion, en- 
livened with dark brilliant eyes. He was in his youth 
handsome. His intellectual powers were of a high order. 
He was characterized by much firmness and decision. 
He rejoiced to preach the Gospel, and his discourses 
were uniformly written. Dr. Carnahan, his immediate 
successor, said of him : " He was bv his talents fitted to 
fill any station ; and by his eloquence to adorn the walls 
of our National Legislature." Dr. Green's publications 
are numerous. 

He superintended an edition of Witherspoon's works, 1802, and left in 
manuscript a biography of that eminent man. 

In 1822, he published a History of the College of New Jersey, in con- 
nexion with a Series of Baccalaureate Discourses. A History of Presbyte- 
rian Missions. A Sermon at the funeral of the Rev. George Duffield, D.D., 
1790. The Address and Petition of a number of the Clergy of Philadelphia, 
to the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, 
relative to Theatrical Amusements, 1793. A Sermon occasioned by the 
death of the Rev. Dr. Sproat, 1793. Obedience to the Laws of God ; a Fast 
Sermon, 1798. An Address of the Trustees of the College of New Jersey, 
1802. A Discourse at the opening for Public Worship of the Presbyterian 
Church in the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia, 1805. An Address of 
the Bible Society of Philadelphia, 1809. An Address to the Students 
and Faculty of the College of New Jersey, 1802. Report of a Committee 
of the General Assembly exhibiting the Plan of a Theological Seminary, 
1810. Life and Death of the Righteous; an Address at the funeral of 
the Rev. William M. Tennent, D. D., 18 10. Advice and Exhortation ad- 
dressed to the People of the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadel- 



1783- 

phia, on resigning the pastoral charge of that congregation, 18 12. A Re- 
port to the Trustees of the College of New Jersey relative to a Revival of 
Religion among the students of said college, in the winter and spring of 
1815. Doing good in imitation of Christ; a Discourse delivered in the 
College of New Jersey the Sabbath preceding the annual Commencement, 
1822. Christ Crucified the Characteristic of Apostolic preaching; a Ser- 
mon delivered at the opening of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
Church, 1825. The Christian Duty of Christian Women ; a Discourse de- 
livered at Princeton before a Female Society, for the support of a Female 
School in India, 1825. A Sermon (National Preacher, No. 9), delivered at 
the opening of the Synod of Philadelphia, 1826. An Address at the inter- 
ment of Robert Ralston, 1836. A Sermon at the Whitefield Chapel, 1836. 
Lectures on the Shorter Catechism, 2 vols. i2mo, originally published in 
the Christian Advocate. 

James Hunt was probably the son of Rev. James 
Hunt of Montgomery County, Maryland, of the class of 
1759, and a brother of William Pitt Hunt of the class of 
1786. He probably assisted and succeeded his father in 
his admirable classical school so long a blessing to Mary- 
land. 

Nathaniel Lawrence belonged to an influential 
family of Long Island. He was a son of Captain John 
Lawrence, a naval officer in the old French war. Imme- 
diately upon his graduation, he joined the North Caro- 
lina line of the^ regular American army as a lieutenant, 
and was made prisoner by the enemy after behaving 
with great gallantry. In 1788, he was chosen from 
Queens County, New York, to the Convention which 
ratified the Constitution of the United States. He also 
held the office of Attorney General of the State from De- 
cember 24, 1792, to November 30, 1795, and represented 
Queens County in the Legislature for four years. His 
daughter married the Rev. Philip Lindsley, D.D., for- 
merly professor in the college. He died at Hempstead, 
Long Island, July 5, 1797. 

Jacob Radcliff was a son of William Radcliff of 
Dutchess County, New York, a Brigadier-General dur- 
ing the Revolution. After graduating, he read law, and 

[216] 



1783- 

commenced practice at Poughkeepsie, which he followed 
with distinguished success, and at an early age was raised 
to the Bench of the Supreme Court of New York. Re- 
moving to New York City, he soon after resigned his 
judicial office, returning to the practice of his profession. 
In 1810, he was elected Mayor of the City of New York, 
and was again elected in 181 1, 1812 and 1813. 

Mr. RadclifF continued his professional pursuits for 
many j^ears, dying at a venerable age in 1823. 

Gilbert Tenneiit Snowden, a brother of Benja- 
min Parker Snowden of the class of 1776, was licensed to 
preach by the Presbytery of Philadelphia. On the 24th 
of November, 1790, he was transferred to the Presbytery 
of New Brunswick, and ordained and installed pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church at Cranberry, New Jersey. 

Before entering the ministry, Mr. Snowden had applied 
himself intensely to the study of law. But on one occasion, 
attending the funeral of an eminent member of the Bar, 
he was so deeply impressed with the vanity of the fame, 
wealth, and honours of the world, that he resolved to re- 
nounce his former purpose and devote himself to the 
Gospel ministry. His ministry was a short one, but filled 
with labour and crowned with fruit. He died February 
20, 1797. President Samuel Stanhope Smith preached his 
funeral sermon, in which he says : " The best eulogy of 
Gilbert Tennent Snowden, would be a faithful history of 
himself." 

Edward Taylor studied medicine after graduating, 
and received his degree under Dr. Rush in Philadelphia 
in 1786. Dr. Taylor was a native of Upper Freehold, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. He began the prac- 
tice of medicine and surgery at Pemberton, New Jersey, 
but shortly after removed to his native place, where he 
was assiduously engaged during a long life of remark- 
able activity and usefulness in the arduous labours and 
responsibilities of a large county practice — often extend- 



1783. 

ing from the Delaware river to the sea coast, and usually 
traveling in the saddle, and not unfrequently during whole 
nights, regardless of weather. Notwithstanding such a 
life of intense physical and mental toil, his temperate 
habits in eating, with abstinence from intoxicating 
drinks, preserved his well-formed, compact, medium- 
sized frame, in an unusually healthful condition to the 
close of his life. 

In the latter part of his life, from a conviction of duty, 
(having joined the Society of Friends,) he removed to 
and superintended the ^' Friends' Asylum for the Insane" 
at Frankfort, Pennsylvania, which responsible duty he 
fulfilled for nine years ; when he returned to his home in 
New Jersey, about three years prior to his decease. 

Few men, perhaps, have occupied a higher position in 
the estimation of all who knew them, than did the sub- 
ject of this notice, for strict integrity to his high stan- 
dard of morality, and justice to all. In life and conver- 
sation he adorned the " doctrine of Christ " our Saviour, 
and this w^as the great object of his life, and made him 
honoured and beloved in his own religious society, and 
out of it — and he left a large unbroken family of children 
to mourn his loss. He died May 2, 1835. 

Joseph Venable, a native of Virginia, studied law, 
and removed to Kentucky soon after his admission to the 
Bar, when we lose sight of him. 

George Wliitefield Woodruff, a brother of A. D. 
Woodruff of the class of 1779, was born at Elizabethtown, 
New Jersey, March 16, 1765. After graduating, he studi- 
ed law, and was admitted to practice as an Attorney at 
the April term of the Supreme Court, in 1788. He re- 
moved then to the State of Georgia, and acquired a posi- 
tion of much respectability at the Bar of that State ; so 
that he was appointed, by President John Adams, United 
States District Attorney. Having acquired an ample 
fortune, he returned to New Jersey and took up his resi- 

[218] 



1783- 

dence near Trenton. Here he lived in much compan- 
ionship with books, withdrawn from active business, but 
not from constant amiable intercourse with men, until 
his death, which occurred in 1846, at the age of eighty- 
two. At the time of his death Mr. Woodruff was the 
oldest member of the New Jersey Bar. It is said that 
his most intimate friends never knew him to be betrayed 
into an angry deed or word. Possessed of fortune, and 
a well-cultivated and well-stored mind, he exercised, not- 
withstanding his retiring manners, the influence which 
wealth and intelligence confer. 
A son of Mr. Woodruff graduated in the class of 1836. 

[219] 



1784. 

John Baldwin, a son of Jonathan Baldwin of the 
class of 1755, after graduating, studied law and practiced 
for a number of years in New York City. 

James Ashton Bayard, a son of James A. Bayard, 
M.D., and a nephew of Colonel John Bayard, was born 
in Philadelphia in 1767. After leaving college, he studied 
law in Philadelphia and commenced practice in Dela- 
ware. In 1796 he was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States. He was in the House 
that elected Mr. Jefferson President, and was very influ- 
ential in the result. In 1804 he was chosen to the United 
States Senate. He remained in this position until he 
was selected by Mr. Madison, as a Commissioner, with 
Mr. Gallatin, to negotiate a peace with Great Britain, 
and sailed on his mission, May 9, 181 3. In 18 14, while in 
Europe, he was appointed Envoy to the Court of Russia, 
but he declined the appointment, stating " that he had no 
wish to serve the administration, except when his serv- 
ices were necessary for the good of his country." Soon 
after this he was seized with violent illness, and was ob- 
liged to return home. He arrived in June, and died at 
Wilmington, August 6, 181 5. 

Mr. Bayard was a keen and able debater, and eloquent 
beyond most of his contemporaries. His fine counte- 
nance and manly person recommended his eloquent 
words. 

Mr. Bayard's Speech on the Foreign Intercourse Bill was published in 
1798, and his Speech on the Repeal of the Judiciary, in a volume of the 
speeches delivered in this controversy, in 1802. 

[ 220] 



1784. 

Samuel Bayard was a son of Colonel John Bayard, 
of Philadelphia. He resided the greater part of his life 
in Princeton, and was a man of sterling worth and high 
Christian character. He was for some years a Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Bayard corresponded 
with W. Pitt, Lord Erskine, Lord Lansdowne, Sir John 
Sinclair and Wilberforce. Dr. James W. Alexander 
writes of him, in 1839, " Our old friend Bayard, now in 
his seventy-third year, is one of the most pleasing speci- 
mens of religious serenity and hope that I have seen. He 
is tottering over the grave, but his inward man is re- 
newed day by day." 

Judge Bayard was for several years a Trustee of the 
College. He died May 12, 1840. 

Mr. Bayard published, Letters on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 

Joseph Clay was born in Savannah, Georgia, Au- 
gust 16, 1764. He was a son of the Hon. Joseph Clay, a 
soldier, patriot and Judge, of the Revolution. Returning 
to his home in Savannah, Mr. Clay entered upon the 
study of the law, and having been admitted to the Bar, 
soon rose to the highest eminence in his profession. He 
was particularly distinguished as an advocate in criminal 
cases. He was a leading member of the Convention 
which formed the Constitution of Georgia. In 1796 he 
was appointed District Judge of the United States for the 
District of Georgia, where he presided with distinguished 
ability and universal approbation. He resigned the 
office in 1801. 

In 1803 Mr. Clay became a member of the Baptist 
Church, and was ordained the next year as pastor of a 
church in Savannah. In 1807 he visited New England, 
and was induced to take charge of a Baptist Church in 
Boston ; but in a year or two he resigned on account of 
ill health. A lawyer in Providence once hearing him 
preach, remarked to a friend, " See what a lawyer can 
do." The reply was, " See what the grace of God can 
do with a lawyer." Mr. Clay died in Savannah, De- 

[221 ] 



1784. 

cember, 1804.^ Republished his Installation Sermon in 
1807. 

Ira Condict, after leaving college, taught a school in 
Freehold, New Jersey, and studied theology with the 
Rev. John Woodhull. In April, 1786, he was licensed by 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick; and in 1787 he was 
installed pastor of the Presbyterian Churches of Newton 
and Shappenac, New Jersey. In 1793 he became pastor 
of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Brunswick. At 
the revival of Queens College (afterwards Rutgers) in 
1808, in effecting which he had an important agency, he 
was chosen Vice-President. Dr. Livingston was the Pres- 
ident, but the office was a nominal one, as he confined 
himself to his theological professorship, and Mr. Condict 
was virtually the President until his death in 181 1. 

Mr. Condict had a strong athletic frame, and was con- 
siderably above the medium height ; had dark eyes and 
hair, with an expression of countenance which indicated 
a vigorous masculine intellect. He was a man of great 
reserve and remarkable gravity. He was a Trustee of 
the College for six years. 

Gabriel H. Ford was a brother of Timothy Ford 
of the class of 1783. He was admitted to the Bar in 1789, 
and practiced in Morristown, New Jersey, his native 
place. On the 15th of November, 1820, he was elevated 
to the Bench of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and 
held the position for twenty-one years. Judge Ford was 
considered an efficient and eloquent lawyer, and an up- 
right and conscientious judge. He died at Morristown, 
August 27, 1849. 

James Hopkins, a native of Pennsylvania, was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in Philadelphia, and soon after removed 
to Lancaster, where he was enrolled as a member of that 
Bar in 1787. Mr. Hopkins soon secured a most extensive 
practice and a distinguished standing at the Bar. Presi- 

[222] 



1784. 

dent Buchanan read law in his office, although afterwards 
they were usually opposing advocates. While engaged as 
leading counsel in an important ejectment suit, in Sep- 
tember, 1834, in which Mr. Buchanan was the leading 
counsel upon the opposite side, and while in the act of 
citing an authority, with the words of the sentence half 
finished, Mr. Hopkins was struck with apoplexy, and 
never spoke again. It is rather a singular coincidence, 
that this was also the last instance in which Mr. Bu- 
chanan was engaged in the trial of a case in a court of 
law, having been very soon thereafter called to positions 
of official trust. Mr. Hopkins died September 14, 1834, 
in the seventy-second year of his age. 

Mr. Hopkins's son, George Washington, graduated at 
Princeton in 18 17, and afterwards had a short but bril- 
liant career at the Lancaster Bar. He was so much pros- 
trated while defending a man who was accused of the 
crime of murder, that he never rallied from the effects of 
the prostration, dying a few months before his father. 

Alexander Ciiniining McWliorter was the son of 
the Rev. Alexander McWhorter, D. D., of the class of 
1757. Mr. McWhorter studied law, and was admitted to 
the Bar in September, 1788, and became a highly re- 
spectable practitioner in Newark, New Jersey. He died 
in 1808. 

Isaac Ogden became a lawyer in Delaware County, 
New York, and was for many years a prominent mem- 
ber of the Legislature of New York. He was a man of 
strong and vigorous intellect, and of great decision of 
character. 

William Radcliff was a brother of Jacob Radcliff 
of the class of 1783. He removed to South America, and 
was for some time United States Consul at the City of 
Lima. He afterwards returned to the United States, and 
died in Brooklyn in 1847. 

[ 223 ] 



1784. 

John E. Spencer was a son of the Rev. Elihu Spen- 
cer, D.D., so long a Trustee and friend of the college. 
He studied law, and was admitted an Attorney of the 
Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the April Term, 1789, 
and as Counsellor at the April Term, 1798. Mr. Spencer 
resided and practiced at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. 

Abner Woodruflf was a brother of George W. Wood- 
ruff of the preceding class. He was the son of Elias 
Woodruff of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and was born 
December 28, 1767. In 1772, his father removed to Prince- 
ton. In February, 1779, Abner Woodruff joined the 
grammar school in Nassau Hall, and, as he says, *' com- 
menced the rudiments of education." In 1780, he enter- 
ed the Freshman Class. Soon after graduating he took 
up his residence in Sussex County, New Jersey, where 
he engaged in mercantile operations until 1787, when he 
returned to Princeton in September of that year, and 
was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts. In Sep- 
tember, 1794, having resumed business in Sussex County, 
he, with his partner, who both belonged to a volunteer 
troop of horse, joined the expedition to quell the Whiskey 
Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Woodruff 
became a Paymaster of the Second Regiment of New 
Jersey Cavalry. In December of the same year, he re- 
turned to New Jersey. In 1798, he received an appoint- 
ment as Midshipman in the Navy, and continued in the 
service until 1803, when he resigned his commission and 
removed to Georgia, where he resided for a number of 
years. Returning from Georgia, he took up his resi- 
dence at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he died 
January 11, 1842. 

[ 224 ] 



1785. 

Mathias Cazier became pastor of a Congregational 
Church in Pelham, Massachusetts, in the same year that 
he graduated. In August, 1799, he removed to Connec- 
ticut, and was installed pastor of a church in South Brit- 
ain, where he laboured until January, 1804. In May of 
that year, he supplied Salem Church in the town of 
Waterbury, but for how long a period I do not find. Mr. 
Cazier died in 1837. 

Robert Goodloe Harper was born in Virginia in 
1765. When a youth he served in a troop of horse, un- 
der General Greene, in the Southern campaign. While 
in college he acted as tutor to one or two of the lower 
classes. Soon after graduating he went to Charleston, 
South Carolina, and found himself among strangers with 
but a dollar or two in his pocket. While standing on the 
wharf after landing, a by-stander asked him whether he 
had not taught school in Princeton. This proved to be 
a gentleman whose son he had taught while in college. 
He offered him assistance and his friendship, and intro- 
duced him to a lawyer, in w^hose office he studied for a 
year, when he was admitted to the Bar. He then enter- 
ed into professional life in the interior of the State, and 
soon became known by a series of articles published in a 
newspaper, on a proposed change in the Constitution of 
the State. He was soon elected to the Legislature, and 
then to Congress, where he became distinguished. Af- 
ter the election of Mr. Jefferson as President, Mr. Har- 
per retired from Congress, and having married the 
daughter of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, he entered 
upon the practice of the law at Baltimore. He was em- 
iS [225] 



1785. 

ployed in the defence of Judge Chase of the Supreme 
Court at the time of his impeachment. In course of 
time he was elected to the United States Senate from 
Maryland. In 18 19 and 1820, Mr. Harper visited Eu- 
rope, and on his return became an active member of the 
American Colonization Society, a scheme in which he 
took the deepest interest. He died January 15, 1825. 

Mr. Harper published :^ A Speech in behalf of the American Coloniza- 
tion Society. An Address on the British Treaty, 1796. Observations on 
the Dispute between the United States and France, 1797. Letter on the 
Proceedings of Congress. Letters to his Constituents, 1801. Correspondence 
with Robert Walsh respecting Germany, 181 3. Address on the Russian 
Victories, 18 13. Select Works, 18 14. 

John Vernon Henry studied law and entered upon 
its practice in Albany, New York. In 1800, he was ap- 
pointed Comptroller of the State ; but owing to the 
change of parties, he was removed the next year. Deep- 
ly disgusted at the transaction, he resolved never again 
to accept any office, but to devote himself to his profession. 
This resolution he kept, and by his assiduous application 
he attained the highest eminence at the Bar. His dis- 
tinguished talents, and high and deserved character for 
integrity and honour, were everywhere acknowledged. 
The great superiority of Mr. Henry as an advocate con- 
sisted in his skill in condensing his argument — in saying 
everything which could be said in favour of the position 
he wished to establish, with the fewest possible number 
of words. These words were selected in the best pos- 
sible manner. He never used a single word but such as 
was the very best to express precisely the idea he desired 
to impress on the mind of his hearer. Of course he was 
neither florid nor brilliant, but luminous and strictly 
logical, and at times powerfully eloquent. 

He received the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1823. A 
son of Mr. Henry graduated in the class of 181 5. He 
died in 1829. 

James Wilkin studied law and entered upon the 

[ 226] 



practice in Goshen, New York, his native place. In 
1 800, he was elected a member of the Legislature. He also 
represented his State in Congress, and held almost every 
station in the gift of his immediate fellow citizens, having 
been through life greatly beloved and respected. He 
died in Goshen in 1805. A son of Mr. Wilkin graduated 
in the class of 1 812, and a grandson in 1843. 

[ 227 ] 



1786. 

Henry Clymer was born in Philadelphia, July 31, 
1767. He was the third son (the first and second having 
died in infancy) of George Clymer who signed the Dec- 
laration of Independence. His mother was a daughter 
of Reese Meredith, of the Society of Friends, born in 
Wales, but afterwards a prosperous and respected mer- 
chant in Philadelphia. Henry Clymer, after graduating, 
entered the office of James Wilson, the leading lawyer in 
Philadelphia, and a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. In 1794 he married the third daughter of 
Thomas Willing, who, for thirty-nine years, was partner 
of Robert Morris. Mr. Clymer's taste inclining him to 
agriculture, led him in the summer of 1799 into the 
country, where he resided on a farm near Morrisville, 
Pennsylvania, opposite Trenton, New Jersey. There he 
continued to live until his father's death, at the son's resi- 
dence, in 181 3, when the large landed interests of his 
father's estate carried him to Northumberland and then 
to Wilkesbarre. In these two places on the Susquehanna, 
he resided till the winter of 18 19, when he moved to 
Trenton, and afterwards to a country seat on the opposite 
bank of the Delaware, in Pennsylvania, where he died 
April 17, 1830. 

Mr. Clymer was a great friend of education, connect- 
ing himself with what was useful wherever he happened 
to live. Three of his sons graduated at Princeton in 
182 1, 1822 and 1823, respectively. 

William Gordon Forman was a native of Mon- 
mouth County, New Jersey. He studied law, and was 
admitted an Attornev by the Supreme Court, at the Sep- 

[228] 



1786. 

tember Term, 1791. Soon after his admission to the 
Bar, he removed to Natchez, Mississippi. In 1806, Mr. 
Forman married a daughter of Dr. John Woodhull, of 
the class of 1766. He died in Lexington, Kentucky, Oc- 
tober 3, 1812. 

Edward Grraham joined the college from North 
Carolina, to which State he returned after graduating, 
and entered upon the practice of the law. 

Thomas Grant was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick in 1791, and was settled as pastor of the 
Churches of Amwell and Flemington, New Jersey. Mr. 
Grant died in 181 1, being succeeded in his churches by 
Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D. 

William King Hugg* studied law, and was admit- 
ted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, 
September, 1790. 

Ralph P. Hunt studied law, and was admitted an 
Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the 
September Term, 1791, and practiced in Hunterdon 
County, New Jersey. He is said to have died young. 

William Pitt Hunt was a son of the Rev. James 
Hunt, of the class of 1759. After leaving college, he stud- 
ied law, and practiced at his home in Montgomery County, 
Maryland. William Wirt, afterwards so eminent as a 
lawyer, commenced the study of law in Mr. Hunt's 
office. Mr. Hunt afterwards removed to Virginia, the 
place of his father's birth. He died about 1800. His 
widow married the Rev. Moses Hoge, D. D. 

James Henderson Imlay acted as tutor in the 
college for one year after graduating. He was admitted 
an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the 
April Term, 1790, and a Counsellor at the April Term, 

[ 229 ] 



1786. 

179^. From 1797 to 1801, Mr. Imlay was in the House 
of Representatives of the United States. He lived and 
died in Allentown, New Jersey. 

Maturin Livingston, a brother of William Smith 
Livingston of the class of 1772, studied law, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in New York City, where he practiced 
for many years. On the loth of November, 1804, he was 
appointed Recorder of the City. Mr. Livingston was a 
brother-in-law of Governor Morgan Lewis, of the class 
of 1773. 

Peter William Livingston was a son of Peter 
Robert Livingston of the class of 1758. I can find noth- 
ing of him after his graduation. 

Amos Marsh entered college from New England. 
After graduating, he took up his residence in Vermont, 
and probably pursued the profession of law. In 1789, he 
was admitted to a Master's degree at Dartmouth. From 
1799 to 1 801, Mr. Marsh was Speaker of the General As- 
sembly of Vermont. He died in 181 1. 

Thomas Pollock was a native of North Carolina. 
His mother was Eunice, the fourth daughter of Presi- 
dent Edwards. After graduating, he studied law, but 
never practiced his profession, but living the uneventful 
life of a planter. He died in Italy, September, 1803. 

Henry Smalley was from New Jersey. In 1788, he 
was licensed to preach by the Piscataway Baptist Church. 
In 1790, he became pastor of the Cohansey Baptist Church 
in Cumberland County, New Jersey. In this charge he 
remained forty-nine years. 

Mr. Smalley was a laborious and successful minister. 
He died February 11, 1839. 

Charles Smith was born near Princeton, New Jer- 

[ 230] 



1786. 

sey. He studied medicine, and after receiving his di- 
ploma, was appointed a surgeon in the army raised in 
New Jersey, which, under Governor Howell of that 
State, took part in suppressing the " Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion." At the close of the war he began the practice of 
medicine in New Brunswick, in partnership with Dr. 
Moses Scott. After the death of Dr. Scott, he practiced 
many years in New Brunswick, where he was highly 
esteemed as a man and physician. He was for a long 
time a Trustee of Rutgers College, and also President of 
the State Bank at New Brunswick. He died in 1845. 

Samuel Finley Snowdeii, a brother of Gilbert T. 
Snowden of the class of 1783, was licensed to preach by 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, April 24, 1794, and 
ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Princeton on the 25th of November following. This 
charge Mr. Snowden resigned April 29, 1801, on account 
of ill health. He was afterwards settled successively at 
Whitesboro, New Hartford, and Sackett's Harbour in 
the State of New York. He died suddenly in May, 1845. 

Samuel Robert Stewart read law with Samuel 
Leake, of Trenton, of the class of 1774, and was admitted 
to the Bar, September, 1790. He settled and practiced 
at Flemington, New Jersey. Mr. Stewart was the father 
of the Rev. Charles S. Stewart, of the class of 181 5, the 
Missionary, and afterwards Chaplain in the Navy. Mr. 
Stewart died in 1802, at the early age of 36. 

John W. Vancleve was a son of Benjamin Van- 
cleve of Lawrence Township, Hunterdon County (now 
in Mercer) New Jersey, for many years a member of the 
Legislature. From 1787 to 1791, Mr. Vancleve served as 
a tutor in the college. He was admitted to the Bar in 
September, 1791, and practiced in Trenton, New Jersey. 
He died of yellow fever in Philadelphia in 1802. 

[ 231 ] 



1787. 

John Nelson Abeel served as tutor in the college for 
two years after his graduation. He then commenced the 
study of the law under Judge Paterson of New Jersey ; 
but relinquishing the purpose of becoming a lawyer, he 
entered upon the study of theology under Dr. Living- 
ston, and was licensed to preach in April, 1793. He first 
became pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, 
but in 1795, was installed as pastor of the Reformed 
Dutch Church in the City of New York. With a dis- 
criminating mind, and a sweet and melodious voice, and 
his soul inflamed with pious zeal, he was pre-eminent 
among extemporaneous orators. In performing his pas- 
toral duties he was indefatigable. Mr. Abeel was a man 
of unassuming manners, and a truly eloquent preacher. 
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from Harvard in 1804. Dr. Abeel died January 20, 18 12. 

Evan Alexander was from North Carolina. He 
was a member of the House of Commons of that State 
from 1797 to 1803, and was in Congress from 1805 to 1809. 
He died October 28, 1809. 

Meredith Clymer was the son of George Clymer, a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a brother 
of Henry Clymer of the class of 1786. After graduating, 
he pursued a course of reading and study under his 
father, and in the office of Mr. Milligan, and was admit- 
ted to the Bar at the age of twenty-one, with a career of 
promise before him. But as a member of the First City 
Troop of Philadelphia, he was soon called to assist in 
quelling the " Whiskey Insurrection" in Western Pennsyl- 

[232] 



1787. 

vania. From exposure in the camp he took a cold which 
terminated his life November 18, 1794, about thirty miles 
above Pittsburg. His death was noticed with respect by 
his brethren of the Troop, and by Dr. Rush in the news- 
papers of the day. Dr. Rush, in his notice of Mr. Cly- 
mer, says : " Few young- men have ever died richer in 
the love of their friends. He had been strictly educated 
in Republican principles and habits, and hence arose the 
zeal with which he joined the standard of Liberty in the 
form of law in the expedition to the western counties of 
Pennsylvania. His genius was of the first order, his 
knowledge extensive, accurate and useful ; there was a 
commanding poignancy of ideas in his conversation ; 
above all, his morals were pure, and his temper kind and 
benevolent." 

George Clymer, the father, resided near Princeton for 
two years, superintending the education of his sons. The 
house he occupied was on the Lawrenceville road, ad- 
joining " Morven." On leaving Princeton, he placed his 
sons in the family of Colonel George Morgan, whose home 
was at " Prospect," where now stands the handsome resi- 
dence of Mrs. Potter. 

Robert Finley graduated before he was sixteen 
years old. He was the son of an old friend of Dr. With- 
erspoon, who followed him from Scotland, and resided in 
Princeton. By the advice of Dr. Witherspoon, our grad- 
uate was appointed teacher of the grammar school con- 
nected with the college. After remaining in this situa- 
tion some time, he took charge of an Academy at Allen- 
town, New Jersey. In 1791 he removed to Charleston, 
South Carolina, and became Principal of an Academy in 
that city, where he gained a high reputation as a gentle- 
man, a Christian, and a teacher. 

Having determined to devote himself to the ministry, 
he returned to Princeton, and again conducted the gram- 
mar school, but was soon appointed tutor in the college, 
and served in that capacity from 1793 to 1795. 

[ 233 ] 



1787- 

On the i6th of September, 1794, he was licensed to 
preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and on the 
1 6th of June was ordained and installed pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Baskingridge, New Jersey. 
While here, he was induced to take a few boys into his 
family for the purpose of fitting them for college. This 
soon grew to be one of the largest and most popular 
schools of the day. 

About this time Mr. Finley conceived the idea of Afri- 
can Colonization, and he may be considered as the foun- 
der of the American Colonization Society. In 18 17 he 
was elected to the Presidency of the University of Geor- 
gia, but he had hardly entered upon the duties of his new 
position, when disease seized him, and he died October 

3, 1817. 

Dr. Finley had a large well-proportioned frame, and 

a countenance marked by decision and energy ; his per- 
ceptions were uncommonly vivid, and his feelings pro- 
portionately strong. He sustained a high rank as a 
preacher. Dr. Finley was for ten years a Trustee of the 
College. 

The publications of Dr. Finley are : A Sermon on the Baptism of John, 
showing it to be a peculiar dispensation, and no example for Christians. 
1807. A Sermon at the Funeral of the Rev. William Boyd, of Laming- 
ton. New Jersey. 1807. A Sermon on the Nature and Design, the Benefits 
and Proper Subjects, of Baptism, 1808. Two Sermons in the New Jersey 
Preacher. 181 3. Thoughts on Colonization, 1816. 

James Gibson was born in Pennsylvania, September 
I3» 17%- After graduating, he was admitted to the Bar, 
after the usual study, and became a lawyer of high stand- 
ing in Philadelphia. Mr. Gibson died July 8, 1856. 

Charles Dickinson Green was an uncle of Chief- 
Justice Green, and John C. Green, Esq., the munificent 
friend of the college. Mr. Green studied theology, and 
was licensed and ordained by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, but never entered upon his profession. He 

[234] 



1787. 

was a fine scholar and a man of considerable ability. He 
died in 1857. 

George Pollock, a brother of Thomas Pollock of 
the class of 1786, was a grandson of President Edwards. 
Like his brother, he was bred to the law, but never prac- 
ticed. He followed planting as a business. He died in 
April, 1839, ^^ Halifax County, North Carolina. 

Elijah D. Rattoone was ordained Deacon by Bishop 
Provost, January 10, 1790. Shortly after, he took charge 
of St. x\nne's Church, Brooklyn. In 1792 he was elected 
Professor of the Latin and Greek languages, and in 1794 
Professor of Grecian and Roman Antiquities, in Colum- 
bia College. He resigned these positions in 1797, and 
the same year became Rector of Grace Church, Jamaica, 
Long Island, where he continued till April, 1802, when 
he accepted a call to the Associate Rectorship of St. 
Paul's Church, Baltimore. Some peculiar circumstances 
induced him to resign this charge after a number of 
years, upon which Trinity Church, in the same city, was 
at once built for him, where he ministered with his usual 
popularity till the autumn of 1809. At that time he left 
Baltimore for Charleston, South Carolina, having been 
elected President of Charleston College ; and there he 
died of yellow fever in 18 10. He received the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity from Charleston College in 1804. 

Dr. Rattoone was a highly accomplished scholar and an 
eloquent preacher. 

John Read was from Delaware, and was the son of 
George Read, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, and was the father of John M. Read, of Philadel- 
phia. In 18 17 he was a member of the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania. He died in 1854. 

Mr. Read published, Arguments on the British Debt. 1798. 

John R. Smith was a native of Pennsylvania, After 

[235] 



1787. 

graduating, he studied law and practiced in Philadelphia 
until his death. Mr. Smith was a brother of the first edi- 
tor of the National Intelligencer of Washington City. 

Nathaniel Randolph Snowden, a brother of 
Samuel F. Snowden of the class of 1786, was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Carlisle, in 1794, and was settled over 
the Presbyterian Churches of Harrisburg, Paxton and 
Derry, Pennsylvania. These charges he resigned in 
about three years, and afterwards supplied many congre- 
gations, but making no permanent settlement. He died 
November 3, 1850. 

Lucius Horatio Stockton was a son of Richard 
Stockton of the class of 1748. He studied law^ and set- 
tled in Trenton, New Jersey. Mr. Stockton was for some 
time District Attorney of New Jersey. A few weeks be- 
fore the close of the administration of President Adams, 
he was nominated as Secretary of War, which gave great 
umbrage to Mr. Jefferson, just coming into office. 

Mr. Stockton was eccentric, and a very earnest politi- 
cian, but did not deserve to be called " a crazy, fanatical 
young man," as Wolcott wrote in Gibbs's " Federal Ad- 
ministration." 

Mr. Stockton wrote a long series of articles in the Tren- 
ton Federalist^ in 1803, defending himself and his uncle 
Samuel Witham Stockton from attacks in the Democratic 
True American. He died May 26, 1835. 

Daniel Thew, a native of Newark, New Jersey, after 
graduating, studied law, and was admitted to the Bar in 
the City of New York, where he practiced for many 
years. Mr. Thew married a daughter of Dr. William 
Burnet of the class of 1749. He died in 18 14. 

[236] 



1788. 

Thomas A. Bellach. was a native of Kent County, 
Delaware. After graduating, he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar. 

G-eorge Clarkson, a son of Gerardus Clarkson, M.D., 
of Philadelphia, was born February 27, 1772. He gradu- 
ated in his seventeenth year, with the highest honours of 
his class. He died April 3, 1804. 

Aaron Condict was a native of Orange, New Jersey. 
He was licensed by the Presbytery of New York in 1790. 
Shortly after, he became pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Stillwater, New York, where he remained for 
about three years. On the 13th of December, 1796, he 
was installed pastor of the Church at Hanover, New Jer- 
sey, which he served for thirty-five years, when he re- 
signed on account of ill health. His ministry was emi- 
nently successful. He was distinguished for his wisdom, 
humility, benevolence, hospitality and a deep interest in 
the affairs of the Church. He died in April, 1852. 

Richard Eppes was born near Petersburg, Virginia. 
He came to New York, on his way to college, in a 
schooner, and was three weeks on the passage. Mr. 
Eppes remained seven years in Princeton without once 
returning home. 

It is probable that after graduation he studied law in 
Princeton. After his return home he was admitted to 
the Bar. 

Mr. Eppes died unmarried in 1801. 

[237] 



1788. 

Thomas R. Harris, after leaving college, studied 
medicine, and in 1790, received the degree of Bachelor 
of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, which 
was an inferior honour to that of Doctor of Medicine. I 
can trace him no further. 

Nathaniel W. Howell resided, after gradua- 
tion, in Ontario County, New York, and was a law- 
yer of high standing. He was a Judge of the Su- 
preme Court of the State, and a Representative in 
Congress from 18 13 to 181 5. He died October 16, 
1851. 

William Kirkpatriek, a son of William Kirkpat- 
rick of the class of 1757, was born at Am well. New Jer- 
sey, November 7, 1769. After leaving college, he stud- 
ied medicine with Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, 
and in 1795, commenced practice in Whitestown, New 
York. The professional education of Dr. Kirkpatriek was 
of the highest order, and he might have attained a com- 
manding position as one of the most scientific physicians 
of the age in which he lived had he continued in his pro- 
fession, but a nervous temperament, of such a peculiar 
and sensitive character as to unfit him in a great meas- 
ure for the practical duties of a physician, led him to en- 
ter into other employments. In 1806, he was appointed 
Superintendent of the Salt Springs, and removed to Sa- 
lina, New York, now the first ward of the City of Syra- 
cuse. In 1808, Dr. Kirkpatriek was elected to the House 
of Representatives, it being the last Congress under Jef- 
ferson's administration. Although not prominent as a 
public speaker, yet he was greatly respected at Washing- 
ton as an intelligent, educated and high-minded man, 
and during that period formed an intimate acquaintance 
and friendship with many of the most distinguished men 
of the day. Dr. Kirkpatriek was a warm and earnest 
advocate for the making of the Erie Canal. At the close 
of his Congressional term, he was re-appointed Superin- 

[ ^38 ] 



1788. 

tendent of the Onondaga Salt Springs in 181 1, and held 
the office until 1831. 

During the whole life of Dr. Kirkpatrick after removing 
to Salina, he continued to cultivate his literary taste by 
an intimate reading of all of the standard works of the 
day, and particularly of the English and Scotch Reviews ; 
indeed to works of this character he devoted a large por- 
tion of his leisure time. At this time, when books were 
scarce, he possessed one of the largest libraries in West- 
ern New York. He was of a joyous and pleasant tem- 
perament, and delighted to sit down with literary friends 
and converse upon the current topics of the day. He 
was in mind, thought and feeling a gentleman. In man- 
ners he was dignified, easy, graceful and refined. Dr. 
Kirkpatrick died of cholera, September 2, 1832. 

Timothy Treadwell Smith. I find no trace of 
Mr. Smith until 1801, when he was appointed Professor 
of the Greek and Latin Languages in Union College. 
He died in November, 1803. 

David Stone was born in Bertie County, North 
Carolina, February 17, 1770. After graduating, he re- 
turned to North Carolina, and commenced the study of 
law under William R. Davie of the class of 1776. In 1790, 
he was admitted to the Bar, and from his assiduity in his 
profession, and his deep and varied acquirements, he 
soon rose to the highest ranks of the profession. Mr. 
Stone entered early into political life. From 1791 to 
1794, he was in the State Legislature. From 1795 to 
1798, he was Judge of the Supreme Court of the State. 
In 1799, he was elected to the House of Representatives 
of the United States; and in 1801 was transferred to the 
United States Senate. In this capacity he served until 
1806, when he was again elected a Judge of the Supreme 
Court ; this position he resigned in 1808, on being elect- 
ed Governor of the State. In 181 1, he was again in the 
Legislature, and in 18 13, was again chosen United States 

[ 239] 



1788. 

Senator. This was a most stormy period. The war 
which had been declared against Great Britain w^as at 
its height ; , parties were violently excited. Differing 
from his party in many-^important points, he resigned his 
seat November 21, 18 14, and went into retirement. Mr. 
Stone never recovered his position with his party, or his 
influence in the State. He died in October, 18 18. 

Smith Thompson rose rapidly to distinction in New 
York, his native State. Having studied law with Judge 
Kent, he entered upon practice, and was soon appointed a 
District Attorney. In 1801, Mr. Thompson was appointed 
Judge of the Supreme Court of New York, two of his 
associates, Morgan Lewis and Henry Brockholst Liv- 
ingston, being graduates of Princeton. The Reports 
of the Supreme Court are enduring monuments of 
the learning and ability of Brockholst Livingston and 
Smith Thompson. As a man of genius, Livingston 
was unquestionably the superior of Thompson ; but 
for legal acumen, clearness of perception, and logical 
powers of mind, there are few if any men, in this or any 
other country, who excel Judge Thompson. In Febru- 
ary, 1 8 14, Chief-Justice Kent being appointed Chancellor, 
Judge Thompson succeeded him as Chief-Justice. In 
18 1 8, he was appointed by President Monroe Secretary 
of the Navy, and in 1823 was elected to the Bench of the 
Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Thompson 
was a man of great learning in his profession, and his 
private life was pure and exemplary. He died in 1843, 
aged "jd, 

Nicholas Vandyke represented the State of Dela- 
ware in Congress from 1807 to 181 1; and again from 
18 17 to 1826. He died in May, 1826. 

Jolin Wells was born in Otsego County, New York. 
About the time of the massacre of Wyoming, the Indians, 
under the lead of the celebrated Brant, made an attack 

[ 240 ] 



1788. 

upon the settlements of Western New York, and the 
father, mother, uncle and aunt, and four brothers and 
sisters of John Wells, were murdered by the savages. 
He, being on a visit from home, escaped the fearful 
slaughter. 

At college, Mr. Wells was distinguished for his habits 
of study and good conduct, and was pronounced the best 
Greek scholar and mathematician in the class. He was 
a great favourite with Dr. Witherspoon, who was in the 
habit of holding him up as an example of exemplary con- 
duct, of industry, and of personal neatness. 

He studied law in New York City, and was licensed 
as an Attorney in 1791, and admitted as a Counsellor in 
1795. In 1797, he was appointed by Governor Jay one 
of the Justices of the Peace in a new court just establish- 
ed. He discharged the duties of this post with distin- 
guished ability and impartiality. 

In 1805, Mr. Wells first became prominent as an ad- 
vocate in a number of libel suits, growing out of the 
duel between Hamilton and Burr. For some time 
previous to this he had been Editor of the Evening 
Posty and many of its ablest articles were from his 
pen. In 1807, Mr. Wells argued his first cause at the 
Bar of the Supreme Court, before the full Bench of 
Judges, and from that time to 1823, the year of his death, 
the Reports of the State bear abundant evidence of his 
extensive and varied practice, and of his research and 
profound learning. 

On one occasion in an important case, after concluding 
his speech, his learned friend and illustrious rival at the 
Bar, Mr.- Emmett, who had attended both the English 
and Irish Courts, observed, that it was the most able and 
finished argument he had ever heard. Laudatus a laudato 
viro — no higher praise could be bestowed. After its 
close, Mr. Wells went from court to his house, where 
his family, and some friends who had been listeners, over- 
whelmed him with compliments. He soon after retired, 
and was afterwards found kneeling in his chamber, and 
16 [ 241 ] 



1788. 

said that he had sought solitude to thank his God that he 
had enabled him to discharge his duty, and to pray for 
strength against the petty folly of vanity. 

Mr. Wells died at Brooklyn, in September, 1823, of 
yellow fever, contracted in the cause of benevolence and 
humanity. All said that a great man had fallen. He 
was considered the pride of the New York Bar. 

Mr. Wells possessed an acute, logical and investigating 
mind, improved by early discipline and culture. In his 
studies he possessed, in an eminent degree, the power of 
abstraction. He could pursue a train of thought amidst 
noise and conversation. Modesty formed a prominent 
trait in his character, and its deep tinge was perceptible 
throughout his whole life.* The lofty integrity which 
adorned his character was founded in a deep sense of 
religion, and from a conviction arising from examination 
of its truth and holy uses. He was as eminent as a Chris- 
tian as he was as a lawyer. 

David Wiley received his license from the Presby- 
tery of New Castle, and from 1794 to 1802 was pastor of 
Spring Creek and Cedar Creek Churches, in the State 
of Pennsylvania. He died in 1813. 

[ 242 ] 



1789. 

William A. Anderson was admitted an Attorney 
of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the May Term, 
1792. 

Nathaniel Boileau was admitted to the Bar and 

practiced in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He was 
at one time Secretary of State of Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Boileau was for many years President of the Montgomery 
County Bible Society. He died at an advanced age in 
1850. 

Robert Hett Chapman was the son of Rev. Jede- 
diah Chapman, the pioneer Presbyterian minister in 
Western New York. He spent the year after graduating 
at his father's house, devoting himself to general read- 
ing, undecided what profession to follow. But finally de- 
ciding upon the ministry, he pursued his studies, at the 
same time acting as an instructor at Queens College, 
New Brunswick, and was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New York, October 2, 1793, and immediately proceeded 
on a missionary tour through the Southern States. On 
his return from this tour he became pastor of the Presby- 
terian Church at Rah way, New Jersey, and was installed 
in 1796. In 1 80 1 he became pastor of a Presbyterian 
Church in Cambridge, New York. In 181 1 he was ap- 
pointed President of the University of North Carolina, 
and entered upon his duties in 1812. He was eminently 
successful in elevating the tone of the college. Here he 
remained laboriously employed, not only in his college 
duties, but in preaching the Gospel, until 18 17, when he 
resigned the Presidency, removing to the Valley of Vir- 

[ 243 1 



1789. 

ginia, where he became pastor of Bethel Church. He 
remained in Virginia for about ten years ; then spent a 
year or two in North Carohna, and in 1830 removed to 
Tennessee, and settled at Covington. Here he was upon 
the frontier, and his influence for good was powerfully felt. 
As a teacher, he was faithful and diligent. As a preacher, 
he was highly evangelical. He died June 18, 1833. 

Mr. Chapman published : A Sermon on Conscience ; A Sermon on Re- 
generation. 

John Collins. The ancestor of Mr. Collins came to 
this country from England in the seventeenth century, 
that he " might enjoy a purer worship of God and a more 
exact church discipline.** Two of his distinguished sons 
are the subject of an article in Mather's " Magnalia," en- 
titled " Gemini — The Life of the Collins's." 

The subject of our sketch was born in Somerset Coun- 
ty, Maryland, February 16, 1769. After graduating, he 
assumed the Presidency of Washington Academy, in his 
native county, at that time and long afterwards a most 
distinguished Seminary. He was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of Lewes in 1791. In 1797 he purchased an estate 
in New Castle County, Delaware, whither he removed, 
and became and continued to be pastor of the Presbyte- 
rian Church in St. George's until his death, which occur- 
red April 12, 1804. Acute disease claimed the victim, 
when in the vigour of his manhood — leaving a precious 
memory. 

" Non annis, sed factis vivunt mortales." 

Isaac Watts Crane, after graduating, studied law, 
and was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of 
New Jersey at the September Term, 1797, and as Coun- 
sellor at the November Term, 1800. Mr. Crane was from 
Essex County, but practiced most of his life in Cumber- 
land County, New Jersey. He died in 1856. 

Mahlon Dickerson was from New Jersey. After 

[ 244 ] 



1789. 

graduating, he read law and was admitted to the Bar by 
the Supreme Court of New Jersey in November, 1793. 
Soon after, he removed to Philadelphia, where he became 
Recorder of the City, and subsequently Quarter-Master- 
General of the State. Returning to New Jersey, he be- 
came a member of the Legislature, and then a Judge of 
the Supreme Court of the State. In 1815, he was elected 
Governor, which office he held until 1817, when he was 
chosen United States Senator, and continued in that posi- 
tion for sixteen years. In 1834 he became Secretary of 
the Navy under General Jackson, and held that Depart- 
ment until 1838, two years after the accession of Martin 
Van Buren. He died October 5, 1853. 

David English resided in Georgetown, District of 
Columbia, after his graduation, probably engaged in 
teaching. In 1794 he was appointed tutor in the college, 
and held the post until 1796, when he took the manage- 
ment of the Seminary established at Baskingridge, New 
Jersey, by the Rev. Robert Finley. Here he remained 
for a few years, sustaining the high character of the in- 
stitution. After retiring from this laborious position, he 
took up his residence again in Georgetown. Mr. English 
was a man of amiable manners and fine scholarship. 

John Lyon Gardiner was the son of David Gardi- 
ner, the sixth proprietor of Gardiner's Island, Long 
Island. John Lyon was the seventh proprietor. After 
graduating, he resided upon his large estate, where he 
died November 22, 18 16. 

David Gardiner, a brother of the above, took up his 
residence in Flushing, Long Island, where he died April 
6, 1815. 

David Hosack was born in New York City, August 
31, 1769. He was the son of a Scotchman who came to 
America with Lord Jeffrey Amherst. After graduating, 

[ 245 1 



1789. 

he studied medicine, and received his degree at Phila- 
delphia in 1 791, and immediately proceeded to Europe, 
and pursued his studies in Edinburgh and London. A 
paper which he wrote on Visipn, while in London, was 
published in the Transactions of the Royal Society in 
1794. On his return to New York, he was appointed 
Professor of Botany and of Materia Medica in Columbia 
College. In the new College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons he taught Physic and Clinical Medicine, in which 
branch he was especially eminent. From 1820 to 1828, 
he was President of the New York Historical Society. 
For more than thirty years Dr. Hosack was a prominent 
medical practitioner in New York. He exerted a wide 
and commanding influence in the community, and his 
Saturday evening parties, where he was accustomed to 
entertain the professional gentlemen of the city and dis- 
tinguished foreigners, were widely known. In all promi- 
nent movements connected with the arts, the drama, medi- 
cal and other local institutions, and the State policy of 
internal improvements, Dr. Hosack bore a part. 

His Alma Mater is indebted to him for a Mineralogi- 
cal Cabinet, containing about one thousand valuable 
specimens. 

Dr. Hosack died suddenly December 23, 1835. 

Dr. Hosack's publications are : Horlus Elginensis, 8vo. Facts relative 
to the Elgin Botanic Garden, 8vo. American Medical and Philosophical 
Register ; editor. A Biographical Memoir of Hugh Williamson, M. D., 
LL.D., 1820, 8vo. Essays on Various Subjects of Medical Science, 1824- 
30 ; 3 vols. 8vo. Inaugural Discourse at the opening of Rutgers Medical 
College, 1826, 8vo. A System of Practical Nosology, 1829, 8vo. Memoirs 
of DeW^itt Clinton, 1829, 4to. Lectures on the Theor}- and Practice of 
Physic, edited by Rev. Henry Ducahet, M. D., 1838, 8vo. He also pub- 
lished, A Paper on Vision in Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society), 
1794. Medical Papers in Annals of Medicine, 1793, 1796. A Biographical 
Account of Dr. Benjamin Rush. Several Discourses. 

Thomas Pitt Irving came to Princeton from Mary- 
land. From about 1790 to 181 2, he was the Principal of 
an Academy at Newbern, North Carolina, whence he was 
called to the double duty of presiding over the Academy, 

[ h6 ] 



1789. 

and officiating as Rector of the Church, at Hagerstown, 
Maryland. He was much distinguished as a teacher, and 
was regarded as one of the best Greek scholars and ma- 
thematicians of his day. . 

William Perry was a native of Talbot County, Mary- 
land. From the best information I can obtain he died 
early in life. 

Isaac Pierson belonged to an old New Jersey fami- 
ly. After graduation, he studied medicine, and was ad- 
mitted a Fellow of the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, New York. He followed his profession in Orange, 
New Jersey, where he continued to practice for nearly 
forty years. From 1827 to 1 831, he was in the United 
States House of Representatives. He was a man of high 
Christian character. He died in 1841. 

Charles Snowden was the youngest son of Isaac 
Snowden of Philadelphia, and the last of five brothers 
who graduated at Princeton. After graduating, he re- 
mained a few months as a tutor in the college, and pur- 
sued the study of theology. He was licensed to preach, 
and delivered one very eloquent and pathetic sermon, 
and that was all. Soon after, he became the proprietor 
of a newspaper in the City of New York ; but the name 
of the paper, or how long he remained in New York, I 
have not been able to discover. After leaving New York, 
he removed to Pennsylvania, and engaged actively in the 
development of a coal property which he possessed, and 
in the building of a canal. 

Ephraim King Wilson represented Maryland, his 
native State, in Congress from 1827 to 1831. He died in 
1834. His son, William S. Wilson, graduated in the 
class of 1835, ^nd was killed at the Battle of Sharpsburg 
in 1862, on the Confederate side. The family resided in 
Snow Hill, Maryland. 

[ 247 ] 



1789. 

Silas Wood, after graduating, became a tutor, which 
position he held for nearly five years. He afterwards 
resided on Long Island, and was a Representative in 
Congress from the State of New York, from 18 19 to 1829. 
He died March 2, 1847, aged yS. 

He published : A History of Long Island. 

[248] 



I790. 

Israel Harris, a son of Dr. Harris of Pittsgrove, 
Salem County, New Jersey, after graduating, pursued 
the study of law, and w^as admitted an Attorney of the 
Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the May Term, 1795. 
He practiced in Somerset County, New Jersey. Mr. 
Harris died young. 

Robert G. Johnson was a son of Robert Johnson 
of an old family of Salem County, New Jersey. The 
father was a man of wealth and station, and the mother 
a descendant of early and wealthy settlers from England. 

On one occasion the father of young Johnson com- 
plained bitterly to Dr. Witherspoon that his son had 
not been advanced as he expected. After bearing con- 
siderable reproach, the doctor broke out with the strong 
Scotch accent common when he was excited, " I tell you, 
sir, the boy wants capacity !" 

Soon after graduating, Mr. Johnson became Captain 
of a troop of Cavalry, and soon rose to be Colonel. In 
1794, he served in the army raised to quell the Whiskey 
Insurrection, as a paymaster. 

Colonel Johnson was in his own right, and in the right 
of his wife, probably the largest land-owner in Salem 
County. In 1821, and from 1823 to 1825, he was a mem- 
ber of the Legislature of New Jersey. He was a man of 
truth and honour, but so fixed in his convictions as not 
always to be tolerant of those who differed with him. 
He was very hospitable and beyond question a true 
Christian, but owing to this peculiarity of temper was 
unpopular with many. Colonel Johnson was fond 
of historical research, and was Vice-President of the 

[ 249] 



I790. 

New Jersey Historical Society from its foundation in 
1845, till near his death, and furnished much historical 
matter ; among other things, a Memoir of John Fenwick, 
the early proprietor of West Jersey. Colonel Johnson 
died at New Haven in October, 1850. 

William Johnson studied law and settled in 
Charleston, South Carolina, where he rapidly rose to 
eminence. He was Associate-Justice of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. Judge Johnson was not only 
an able lawyer, but a man of cultivated tastes. He pub- 
lished a life of General Greene, that was deemed by Gene- 
ral .Henry Lee, the son of General Lee of the class of 
1773, so unjust to his father's fame, and' that of his brave 
Legion, that he resolved to defend both, which he did 
with success in an octavo volume, entitled " Campaigns 
of 1782 in the Carolinas." Judge Johnson besides his Life 
of General Greene, published. Essay to Philosophical 
Society ; Nugse Georgicas, 181 5 ; Eulogy on Adams and 
Jefferson, 1826. He received the honorary degree of 
Doctor of Laws from Princeton in 18 18, and also from 
Harvard. Judge Johnson died in Brooklyn, New York, 
August 4, 1834. 

John Ruan came from the Island of St. Croix. Af- 
ter graduating, he studied medicine, and practiced for 
many years in the City of Philadelphia. Dr. Ruan died 
in 1845. 

John Taylor was born in South Carolina. He 
studied law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1793, but 
turned his attention chiefly to planting. He was a mem- 
ber of the South Carolina Legislature for a number of 
years, and represented that State in Congress from 1807 
to 1809, and again from 1817 to 1821. From 1810 to 1816, 
he was in the United States Senate, and from 1826 to 
1828 he was Governor of South Carolina. 

He died in 1832. 

[ 250] 



I790. 

George SpaflFord Woodhull was the son of Rev. 

John Woodhull of the class of 1766. After graduating, 
he studied law for two years, and medicine for one year ; 
but determining to enter the ministry, he was licensed 
by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, November 14, 

1797, and was ordained and installed as pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church, at Cranberry, New Jersey, June 6, 

1798. Here he remained until 1820, when he was chosen 
pastor of the Church in Princeton. For twelve years he 
laboured here faithfully and successfully. In 1832 he re- 
signed his charge, and spent the two last years of his life 
as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Middletown Point, 
New Jersey, where he died December 25, 1834. He was 
eminently blameless and exemplary in his life — eminently 
peaceful and happy in his death. Three of his sons 
graduated at Princeton ; one in 1822, and two in 1828. 

[^51] 



I79I- 

David Barclay, after leaving Princeton, studied the- 
ology, and was ordained by the Presbytery of New- 
Brunswick, December 3, 1794, and installed as pastor of 
the Church at Bound Brook, New Jersey, where he re- 
mained until April, 1805, when, on account of some 
troubles, in June of that year, he removed, and became 
pastor of Knowlton, Oxford and Lower Mount-Bethel 
Churches, New Jersey. He continued here until 18 11. Mr. 
Barclay was a man of decided ability ; quick, earnest and 
energetic in his motions and his speech ; of stout, athletic 
frame, but of an impetuous, imprudent temperament. Mr. 
Barclay had much trouble with his congregations, and 
one of his elders, Mr. Jacob Ker, published a volume of 
more than four hundred pages, entitled, " The Several 
Trials of David Barclay before the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick and Synod of New York and New Jersey." 
On the 25th of April, 1819, Mr. Barclay was dismissed to 
the Presbytery of Redstone, and took up his residence in 
Punxatawny, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1846. 

Jacob Burnet was a son of Dr. William Burnet of 
the class of 1749. After graduating, he studied law for 
one year in the office of Richard Stockton, and after- 
wards with Elisha Boudinot. He was admitted to the 
Bar in 1796, and removed immediately to the North- 
west Territory, and settled at Cincinnati. He immedi- 
ately rose to eminence in his profession. In these early 
times, Mr. Burnet was accustomed to travel on horse- 
back from court to court, carrying his blanket and pro- 
visions ; at night he camped in the woods, there being 

[ 252 ] 



neither tavern, bridge, ferry nor even a road in his 
route. 

After being a member of the Legislature of Ohio re- 
peatedly, in 1816 Mr. Burnet retired from active practice, 
but in 1 82 1 he was elected a Judge of the Supreme Court 
of Ohio, which position he filled with distinguished abil- 
ity. From this position he was transferred to the Senate 
of the United States, where he exhibited the same traits 
of character for which he had always been remarkable — 
clearness and depth of understanding, sound reasoning, 
equable and happy temperament. 

One of the founders of Ohio, Mr. Burnet lived to see 
the few early settlers of Cincinnati increased to one hun- 
dred and thirty thousand. At the age of eighty, he 
walked the streets erect, and he was yet interesting by his 
colloquial powers. Judge Burnet died May 10, 1853, 
aged 80. 

He published, Notes on the North-western Territory, Cincinnati, 1847. 

Joseph Caldwell was a native of New Jersey. 
During his whole collegiate course, he maintained the 
highest rank as a scholar. On the day of his graduation, 
he spoke the Latin Salutatory. For about a year he re- 
mained in Princeton as a tutor. In 1796 he was licensed 
by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and was elected 
Professor of Mathematics in the University of North 
Carolina, being then only twenty -three years of age. 
Under his care, the prospects of the University speedily 
brightened and flourished ; and in 1804 he was elected 
the First President. He continued to hold this office 
until 1812, when he returned to the Mathematical Chair, 
beii)g succeeded by the Rev. Robert Hett Chapman, 
also an alumnus of Princeton of the class of 1789. In 
18 1 7 Dr. Chapman resigned, and Dr. Caldwell was again 
elected President. In 1824 he visited Europe for the pur- 
pose of purchasing books and apparatus for the Univer- 
sity, and was absent about a j^ear. The greatest good of 
the University, and, indeed, the general progress and in- 

[ 253 ] 



1791- 

tellectual improvement of the State, were ever the most 
engrossing objects of Dr. Caldwell's care, and with un- 
tiring perseverance and fidelity he presented the claims 
of education to the community, and appealed to the com- 
munity for their support. 

The degree of 'Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon 
him by his Alma Mater in 1816. He died January 24, 
1835. North Carolina reveres his memory. Her most 
distinguished sons were his pupils, and cherish for him 
a truly filial affection ; and the advance which that State 
made in inteUigence and virtue, through the instrumen- 
tality of his labours, is an enduring monument of his 
power and wisdom. 

Besides two or three occasional Sermons, Dr. Caldwell published A 
Compendious System of Elementary Geometry, in seven books : to which 
an eighth is added, containing such other Propositions as are Elementary. 
Subjoined, is a Treatise of Plain Trigonometry. He published also in one 
of the Raleigh newspapers, a series of articles called, " Letters of Carlton," 
which were designed to awaken a spirit of internal improvement in the 
State of North Carolina ; and another series on Popular Education, or Free 
Schools. These were republished in a volume about the year 1825. 

Samuel Sliarpe Dickerson was a native of Talbot 
County, Maryland. After graduating, he became a phy- 
sician, and representated his native county in the House 
of Delegates once or twice. He died about 1847 or 
1848. 

Maltby Gelston was the son of David Gelston, of 
New York, for some time a member of the Continental 
Congress, and afterwards Collector of the Port of New 
York. The son, after graduating, studied law, and was 
admitted to the Bar, but never entered actively into prac- 
tice. When Mr. Monroe went as Minister to France, 
Mr. Gelston attended him as his private Secretary. For 
a number of years Mr. Gelston was President of the Man- 
hattan Bank in New York. He was a man of sterling 
integrity and high character in the community. He died 
December 2, i860. 

[^54] 



1 79 1. 

Henry Hollyday was a native of Talbot County, 
Maryland, where his ancestors had lived for more than 
a hundred years. At one time he represented his 
county in the State Senate, and was never in public life 
except in that instance, having devoted himself thereafter 
to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1850. 

Francis Markoe came to college from the Island of 
Santa Cruz. His ancestors were of Huguenot descent, 
and of high rank, the Duke of Sully being among them. 
After graduating, he returned to his native Island. Here, 
in the midst of luxury and wealth, he was, by a remark- 
able providence, converted to God. Finding the Island 
unsuited to his new feelings and new purposes, he re- 
moved to the City of Philadelphia about the beginning 
of the century, and entered into mercantile life. Here 
he was abundant in labour, especially in the instruction 
of the ignorant, in which was his great delight. Remov- 
ing from Philadelphia to New York, he became an elder 
in the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church, of which Dr. 
Skinner was pastor. Here his Christian character shone 
forth pre-eminently. Dr. Skinner wrote of him : ''Among 
contemporary Christians, so far as my acquaintance has 
extended, as complete and perfect pattern of holiness as 
he was, I have not seen ; nor have I heard or read of 
many among saints of former times that seem to have 
more adorned, in all things, the doctrine of Christ." 

A son of Mr. Markoe, Dr. Thomas M. Markoe, a distin- 
guished surgeon of New York, graduated in 1836. Mr. 
Markoe died in triumph in New York, February 16, 
1848. 

Fredrick Stone came to Princeton from one of the 
Southern States. After graduating, he went to Philadel- 
phia and entered upon the study of the law ; but in 1793 
the yellow fever appearing in the city, he repaired to 
Princeton, but was taken ill of the disease and soon died. 

[^55] 



I79I. 

Elias Van Artsdale studied law, and was admitted 
to the New Jersey Bar at the September Term of the 
Supreme Court in 1795. He settled in Newark, New 
Jersey, and was long a distinguished lawyer. For many 
years he was President of the State Bank at Newark. He 
died in 1846, aged seventy-five. 

[256] 



1792. 

Joseph McKnitt Alexander was the son of John 
McKnitt Alexander, famous for his connection with the 
Mecklenburg Declaration. After graduating with eclat, 
he returned to his native State and began the study of 
medicine. In due time he entered upon the practice of 
his profession, and acquired both reputation and wealth. 
He was distinguished for his practical judgment and 
plain common sense. For a time he was in great danger 
from the influence of French infidelity, which was then 
prevalent, but the truth triumphed, and in the meridian 
of life he became a worshipper of the God of his fathers, 
connected himself with the Presbyterian Church, and 
continued through life, until the infirmities of old age 
prevented, to be active in the promotion of its interests, 
in alleviating and ameliorating the condition of men. He 
died in 1841. 

Nicholas Bayard was the youngest son of Colonel 
John Bayard of New Brunswick, New Jersey. After 
leaving college he studied medicine, and received his di- 
ploma in Philadelphia. He first commenced practice in 
New York City, but soon relinquished it for the drug 
business. After his marriage he removed to New Bruns- 
wick, but failing health led to his removal to Savannah, 
Georgia, in 1803, where he died, October 30, 1822. 

George M. Bibb was a native of Virginia, but after 
graduating he studied law and was admitted to the Bar 
in Kentucky. Mr. Bibb was a Justice, and twice Chief- 
Justice of the Court of Appeals, and afterwards Chancel- 
lor of the State. For two years he was a member of the 
17 [257I 



1792. 

State Senate. From 1811 to 1814, and from 1829 to 1835, 
he was in the Senate of the United States, from Ken- 
tucky. When Mr. Tyler became President of the United 
States, Mr. Bibb was appointed Secretary of the Treas- 
ury. On retiring from this office he took up his resi- 
dence permanently in Washington, and until the close of 
life practiced his profession in that city. For a time he 
acted as an assistant to the Attorney-General of tlie 
United States. Until the last Mr. Bibb retained the an- 
cient dress of broad-brimmed hat, small clothes, black 
silk hose and silver shoe-buckles. The personal appear- 
ance of Mr. Bibb, aside from his costume, was remarka- 
ble ; he was a man of great physical vigour of constitu- 
tion, as shown in his erect carriage and firm step after he 
had become an octogenarian. He was rather above the 
middle size, and his frame, like his mind, was compact 
and well knit together. He was a firm friend, a kind hus- 
band and an affectionate parent. His freedom and frank- 
ness with young people was especially remarkable and 
pleasing. One of his peculiarities was his great fondness 
for fishing. On one occasion in the Senate, it had been 
insinuated by the opposers of the administration, that 
some of the Senators, whose terms of office were about to 
expire, would be recipients of Presidential favours. " I 
deny this," said Mr. Bibb, at the conclusion of his speech, 
'' so far as I am concerned. I have no personal object in 
view. I have no ambition. For myself, I prefer to sit 
wdth my rod and line on the banks of a pellucid stream 
enjoying the pleasure of calmness and contemplation, to 
any object that my ambition could achieve." A good 
story is told of him in this connection. One warm after- 
noon the officer in command at the Washington Arsenal 
observed Mr. Bibb sitting on a broken-down wharf hour 
after hour intently watching his float. At last he strolled 
down from the quarters to inquire, *' What luck?" 
^'None," replied Mr. Bibb. " I thought I had some bites 
two or three hours ago, but there is not a fish hereabouts, 
aaow, apparently." 

[258] 



1792. 

" What is your bait?" asked the officer. 

"A plump young frog, hooked through the fleshy part 
of his leg." Scarcely had he finished this reply, when 
the questioner, overcome with laughter, pointed to a log 
which was partly out of water, and there the fisherman 
saw his bait; the frog having got tired of swimming 
about, had jumped upon the log and was calmly enjoying 
the sun. 

Mr. Bibb died in Washington, April 4, 1859. 

He published, Reports of Cases at Common Law and in Chancery in the 
Court of Appeals of Kentucky, 1808-1817. 4 volumes, 8vo. 

Peter Bleeker was a native of the City of New 
York. He died a few months after his graduation in 1793. 

George Whitefield Burnet studied law and was 
admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey, at the September Term, 1796. He settled and 
practiced in Newark, New Jersey ; but subsequently re- 
moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died in 1800. 

James Chestnut was from South Carolina. After 
graduating, he returned to the South and engaged in 
Planting. His wife was Miss Cox, of Burlington, New 
Jersey, and was one of the company of young ladies who 
in 1789 strewed flowers in the path of Washington at 
Trenton, as he was on his way to his inauguration. A 
son of Mr. Chestnut graduated in the class of 1835, and 
was afterwards a United States Senator from South Caro- 
lina. Mr. Chestnut died in 1866. 

William Chetwood, a native of New Jersey, was 
admitted to practice at the New Jersey Bar in 1798. Dur- 
ing the Whiskey Insurrection, in Western Pennsylvania, 
he attended Major-General Lee, of the class of 1773, 
as Aid-de-camp. He was at one time a member of the 
upper house of the New Jersey Legislature, and during 
the administration of General Jackson was appointed to 

[ 259] 



1792. 

fill a vacancy in Congress. He was an able lawyer, 
and practiced his profession until his 70th year. He died 
December 18, 1857. 

Peter Early was a Virginian by birth, but after grad- 
uating he removed to Georgia, and entered upon the 
practice of law. In 1802 he was elected to Congress, 
and soon became a leading member of that body. When 
the impeachment of Judge Chase was before Congress, 
he was associated with John Randolph and others in 
conducting the prosecution. His speech on this occa- 
sion is said to have been the ablest that was delivered on 
the side of the prosecution. He continued in Congress 
until 1807, when he was appointed Judge of the Superior 
Court in Georgia. In 18 13 he was elected Governor of 
the State. In these critical times he acted with the great- 
est wisdom and firmness. His military arrangements 
were extremely judicious, and his administration of the 
government most able and patriotic. When some one 
suggested that the Union of the States might not be per- 
manent, Governor Early replied, that if such a thing 
should happen, he had no wish that Georgia should sur- 
vive the general wreck ; he wanted to swim or sink to- 
gether. He died August 15, 181 7. 

Jacob Ford was a brother of Timothy Ford of the 
class of 1783, and Gabriel Ford of the class of 1784. What 
became of him after his graduation, I have not been able 
to discover. 

Charles Wilson Harris was a native of North Caro- 
lina. On his return to his home, he commenced the 
study of law, but in 1795 was appointed Professor of 
Mathematics in the University of North Carolina. He 
accepted the office only for one year, and declined re- 
newing his term of engagement, wishing to follow his 
profession, in Avhich he became eminent, being consid- 
ered one of the best lawyers in the State. 

[ 260] 



1792. 

William Hosack was a brother of David Hosack of 
the class of 1789. He never followed any business, but 
resided in the City of New York. He was intimate with 
Aaron Burr, and they were in Europe together about 
1809. 

Edmiind Jennings Lee was the fifth and youngest 
son of Henry Lee of Prince William County, Virginia, 
and was born in that county. May 20, 1772. He was a 
brother of Henry Lee of the class of 1773, and of Charles 
Lee of the class of 1775. He married the daughter of 
Richard Henry Lee of the Continental Army. Mr. Lee 
was a lawyer by profession, and was, for many years. 
Clerk of the United States Court in Alexandria, when 
that county was papt of the District of Columbia. He, 
however, continued to practice his profession in the Su- 
preme Court of the United States, and in the courts of 
his native State. Mr. Lee died May 30, 1843. 

In reply to the resolutions of respect on the occasion 
of his death, by the members of the Washington Bar, the 
Chief-Judge Cranch, said : '' The Judges of this Court 
sympathize sincerely with the members of the Bar in the 
loss of one of its oldest, most respected and learned mem- 
bers. Mr. Lee, at the time of his death, was the only 
survivor of those who were counsellors of this Court at 
the time of its organization in 1801, and the Judges from 
their long association with him in the administration of 
justice, from their high respect for his character as a 
learned, able and upright advocate, as well as for the 
virtues which adorned his private life, cannot but greatly 
lament his loss, and uniting with the Bar in their sym- 
pathy with his bereaved family and friends, most will- 
ingly accede ta the request that their proceedings be en- 
tered upon the minutes of the Court." 

Mr. Lee died in the Communion of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, of which he was a consistent and useful mem- 
ber for nearly half a century. In the history of that Church 
in Virginia since its revival, no name among the laity 

[26.] 



1792. 

stands more conspicuous than his. He was one of the 
small number who, in 1814, gave their sanction to th€ 
call of the venerated Bishop Moore to the Episcopate of 
Virginia. From that period to the time of his death, he 
was elected annually a member of the Standing Com- 
mittee of the Diocese. Bishop Meade wrote of Mr. Lee, 
'' I not only knew Mr. Lee from my youth up, but I saw 
him in his last moments, and heard him with the truest 
humility speak of himself as a poor sinner, whose only 
hope was in Christ." 

Mr. Lee left several children, most of whom are now 
living in Virginia. 

George C. Maxwell after leaving college studied 
law, and was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme 
Court of New Jersey, at the May Term 1797, as a Coun- 
sellor at the May Term, 1800, and called as Sergeant-at- 
Law in 18 16. Mr. Maxwell practiced in Hunterdon 
County, New Jersey. From 181 1 to 1813, he was in the 
House of Representatives of the United States from New 
Jersey. He died at Flemington, New Jersey. 

George Washington Morton was a brother of 
Jacob Morton of the class of 1778. After graduating, he 
entered upon the practice of law in New York City, but 
soon relinquished it for the mercantile business, and be- 
came a leading merchant in the St. Domingo trade. He 
died in 18 10. 

John C. Otto was the son of Bodo Otto, an eminent 
physician, and distinguished as a public character in the 
stirring periods of the Revolution. The son was born 
near Woodbury, New Jersey, March 15, 1774. After 
graduating, he entered the office of Dr. Rush, and in 
1796 received his medical diploma from the University 
of Pennsylvania. Dr. Otto soon attained a highly res- 
pectable rank among his contemporaries, and in 1798 
was elected one of the physicians of the Philadelphia Dis- 

[262] 



1792. 

pensary ; an institution which he faithfully served for a 
period of five years. In 1813, he was appointed to suc- 
ceed Dr. Rush, lately deceased, as one of the Physicians 
of the Pennsylvania Hospital. Here his untiring- devo- 
tion to the sick, his sound medical knowledge, his ma- 
tured judgment, and a deep sense of the responsibilities 
of the post, proved him to be the right man for the im- 
portant position. Dr. Otto held this office during a 
period of twenty-two years. 

His clinical lectures while connected with the hospital 
were models of conciseness, simplicity and truthfulness. 
One of his pupils, himself afterwards eminent as a phy- 
sician, writes : " Who cannot look back with lively satis- 
faction and recall the slender and slightly-stooping frame 
of this venerable physician, as he passed around the wards 
of the hospital, stopping at each bed as he passed, kindly 
saluting his patient, making the necessary inquiries into 
his condition, and then, in the most unaffected, and yet 
impressive manner, addressing himself to the assembled 
class, and fastening upon their minds some valuable 
medical precept." 

In addition to this responsible position. Dr. Otto was 
connected with several other public charities. During 
twenty years he served the Orphan Asylum, where he 
was much beloved by the children and by all connected 
with the institution. He was also physician during many 
years to the Magdalen Asylum, in the prosperity of which 
he took a deep interest. In 1840, Dr. Otto was elected 
Vice-President of the College of Physicians, a position 
which he occupied at the time of his death. 

In social life Dr. Otto was remarkable for the simplic- 
ity and ease of his manners, and for the instruction which 
pervaded his conversation. He was a warm Presbyte- 
rian, but of a truly Catholic spirit. His religion was 
eminently vital and practical. He read the Scriptures 
morning and evening, and rarely passed a day without 
perusing a portion of Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of 
Christ. Dr. Otto died as he had lived, an humble and 

[263] 



1792. 

devout Christian, beloved and respected by all, June 26, 
1844. 

Dr. Otto published : Medical Papers in the New York Medical Reposi- 
tory, 1803; Coxe's Medical Museum, 1805; Eclectic Repository; North 
American Medical and Surgical Journal, 1828, 1830. 

Joseph Reed, a son of General Joseph Reed of the 
class of 1757, was born in Philadelphia, July 11, 1772. 
After graduating, he studied law in Philadelphia, and 
was admitted to the Bar. Mr. Reed was for a number 
of years Recorder of the City. He died March 4, 1846. 

Mr. Reed published: The Laws of Pennsylvania, 1 822-1 824. Five vol- 
umes, &V0. 

William Ross became a lawyer and practiced in 
Orange County, New York. At one time he was quite 
prominent in politics. In 1812, he was an active mem- 
ber of the Lower House of the Legislature of New York, 
and in 18 14, a member of the State Senate, where he re- 
mained for many years. 

James Ruan was from St. Croix, and was probably 
the brother of John Ruan of the class of 1790. I cannot 
find a trace of him after his graduation. 

Robert Russell was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick in 1795, and about 1797 he joined the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, and settled as pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Allen Township (now Allen- 
town), Pennsylvania, succeeding the Rev. Francis Pep- 
pard, a graduate of the class of 1762. Here Mr. Russell 
laboured for more than a quarter of a century. He died 
in 1827. 

John J. Sayres was a native, of New York. He was 
admitted to Deacon's and Priest's Orders by Bishop 
Clagget of Maryland. In January, 1799, he entered on 
the charge of Durham Parish, Charles County, Mary- 

[ 264 ] 



1792. 

land. After remaining here about a year, in conse- 
quence of feeble health, he removed to Georgetown, 
District of Columbia, where he supported himself by- 
teaching and preaching as strength would permit. He 
was Chaplain to the United States Senate in 1806 and 
1807. He died in 1808. Mr. Sayres is remembered as 
a faithful and excellent minister, and was much beloved 
by his people. 

William B. Sloan came to Princeton from Laming- 
ton. New Jersey, of which place he was a native. He 
studied theology with Dr. John Woodhull, of Freehold, 
New Jersey, and was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, May 31, 1797, and in 1798 was ordained by 
the same Presbytery, and installed as pastor of the United 
Congregations of Greenwich and Mansfield. For seven- 
teen years he served both congregations, and then became 
the pastor of Greenwich only ; when, through increas- 
ing infirmities, he was compelled to resign his charge in 
October, 1834. 

Mr. Sloan was a man of noble presence — above the 
medium height, erect, slender, but well formed ; his feat- 
ures finely chiselled, yet manly and dignified in expres- 
sion ; his eye, a clear expressive blue ; his gait and bear- 
ing stately yet unconstrained. His talents were respect- 
able, though not great ; his style simple and unaffected. 
He was not a very vigorous thinker, but was an earnest 
and affectionate preacher. He died July 3, 1839. 

Jacob S. Thompson read law and was admitted an 
Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the 
November Term, 1796, and practiced in Sussex County, 
New Jersey. In February, 1800, he was appointed by 
the Governor Clerk of that county ; and in October of 
the same year was reappointed by the Legislature, and 
held office till 1805. 

William Morton Watkins, after graduating, re- 



1792. 

turned to Virginia and studied law, but never practiced 
his profession, but engaged in planting. He was, at one 
time, a member of the Legislature. Mr. Watkins was a 
man of considerable talent. He died at an advanced age 
in 1865. 

Creorge Willing was the son of the Honourable 
Thomas Willing, of Philadelphia ; and was born in that 
city, April 14, 1774. It is probable that he received his 
earlier instruction from teachers there ; and it was a high 
testimony to the reputation in that day of Princeton Col- 
lege that his father, so closely identified with the reputa- 
tion and people of Philadelphia, and a man of the highest 
discernment and sagacity, should have given him his 
later education at Nassau Hall. On leaving college, he 
entered the counting-house of his father ; he afterwards 
went to India on commercial business of the house of 
Willing & Francis. A disposition not inclined to the 
activities of business, and the possession of an ample for- 
tune, induced him to retire from commerce in early life ; 
and during part of the year, at his country residence of 
Richland, near Philadelphia, he devoted himself a good 
deal to the occupations of elegant agriculture. He was 
a member of the Society for the Promotion of Agricul- 
ture, which, under the presidency of his near connection, 
the Honourable Richard Peters, of Belmont, Philadel- 
phia, attained reputation many years ago, and still pre- 
serves it. He died December 22, 1827, and is buried in 
the grounds of Christ Church, Philadelphia, where many 
of his ancestors lie. 

[ 266 ] 



1793- 

Dow Ditmars, the son of Abraham Ditmars, of 
Jamaica, Long Island, was born June 12, 1771. After 
graduating, he studied medicine, and settled at Hellgate 
(now Astoria), Long Island, where he continued to reside 
until his death. 

Manuel Eyre, after graduating, became a successful 
merchant in Philadelphia. One of his sons graduated in 
the class of 1838. 

John Gibson, a brother of James Gibson of the class 
of 1787, was a well known merchant in Philadelphia. He 
was also a fine classical scholar. Mr. Gibson never mar- 
ried. He died about 1824, and is buried at St. Peter's 
Church, Philadelphia. 

John Henry Hohart was descended from an an- 
cient New England family, and was bom in Philadelphia, 
September 14, 1775. Soon after graduating, he entered 
a counting-house in his native city, but finding the em- 
ployment repugnant to his tastes and habits, and a tutor- 
ship at Princeton being offered to him, he left Philadel- 
phia and entered upon his new duties in the college in 
January, 1796. Here he prosecuted his theological stu- 
dies under the direction of the President, Dr. Samuel 
Stanhope Smith. Having remained in Princeton two 
years, he repaired to Philadelphia and completed his the- 
ological course under the direction of Bishop White, and 
in June, 1798, was admitted by him to the Order of Dea- 
cons. He was first settled in the neighbourhood of Phil- 
adelphia, but in 1799, accepted an invitation to Christ's 

[267] 



1793- 

Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Here he remained 
for one year, when he took charge of St. George's Church 
at Hempstead, Long Island. He had scarcely become 
settled there, when he was offered the Rectorship of St. 
Mark's Church, New York, which he promptly declined ; 
but in September, 1800, he became Assistant Minister of 
Trinity Church, New York, and shortly after was or- 
dained Priest by Bishop Provost. In 181 1 he was elected 
Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of New York. Here his 
labours were immense. On the death of Bishop Moore 
in 18 16, Dr. Hobart became Diocesan of New York. 
There was scarcely any subject in which Bishop Hobart 
felt a deeper interest than the proper education of the 
clergy, and the incipient efforts which he put forth on the 
subject at that early period may be said to have formed 
the germ of the Theological Seminary which was located 
in New York in 18 19. About 1821 Dr. Hobart was ap- 
pointed to the chair of Pastoral Theology and Pulpit 
Eloquence in that institution. He discharged the duties 
of his professorship so as effectually to secure the affec- 
tion, gratitude, and admiration of his pupils. In 1823 he 
visited Europe, on account of his health, which had be- 
come impaired, where he remained until September, 1825. 
On his return he addressed himself to his duties with re- 
newed zeal and energy. He died September ip, 1830. 
As a preacher Dr. Hobart was rapid and business-like, 
earnest in his manner, and perfectly natural in his de- 
livery. His voice, though not strong, was clear, and his 
tones varied. His attachment to his own church was 
very strong, and led him to the most vigorous efforts for 
the promotion of its interests. 

Bishop Hobart was a voluminous writer, and published 
much that was ephemeral. His principal publications 
are: 

The Companion for the Altar. 1804. The Companion to the Book of 
Common Prayer. 1805. The Clergyman's Companion. 1806. A Collec- 
tion of Essays on the Subject of Episcopacy. 1806, The Christian's Man- 
ual of Faith and Devotion. 1814. Mant and D'Olyly's Bible, with Notes. 

[ 268 ] 



1793- 

1823- Besides these, Bishop Hobart published between twenty and thirty 
Pastoral Charges, Pastoral Letters, Sermons, Addresses, etc. 

Nathaniel Hunt was a native of New Jersey. After 
graduating, he lived and died upon a farm about two and 
a half miles from Princeton. Mr. Hunt taught a country 
school for some years before his death, which occurred 
in 1805 or 1806. 

Robert Hunt studied law and was admitted an At- 
torney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the Feb- 
ruary Term, 1799, and practiced in Trenton, New Jersey. 
He was a son of Abraham Hunt, a merchant of that city. 
He died in October, 1802. 

John Neilson, a son of John Neilson of New Bruns- 
wick, New Jersey, became a Physician of great eminence, 
and practiced during a long life in the City of New York, 
where he was respected and honoured by the whole com- 
munity. He died in 1857. 

Robert Og'den was admitted an Attorney of the Su- 
preme Court of New Jersey, at the September Term, 
1797. He was a nephew of Governor Aaron Ogden of 
the class of 1773, and was born September 16, 1775. After 
his admission to the Bar, Mr. Ogden settled in Newbern, 
North Carolina, where he practiced for a time, and then 
removed to Charleston, South Carolina. In 1821 he re- 
moved to Louisiana, and in 1825 was appointed Judge of 
the Parish of Concordia. Mr. Ogden died at Greenville, 
Louisiana, in 1857. 

Charles Tennent was a native of South Carolina, 
and a son of the Rev. William Tennent of the class of 
1758. I can learn nothing of his history after his grad- 
uation. 

Isaac Van Doren was a native of New Jersey. 
After graduating, he studied theology with Dr. Theo- 

[ 269 1 



1793- 

dore Dirck Romeyn, and completed his studies with 
Dr. Livingston. He was licensed by the Classis of New 
York, and was ordained about 1798. In 1800 he became 
pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Hopewell, Or- 
ange County, New York, where during a pastorate of 
twenty -three years he was blessed with eminent success. 
Leaving his charge, he removed to Newark, New Jersey, 
and was for four years Principal of an Academy in that 
place ; after which, with his eldest son, he established the 
Collegiate Institute on Brooklyn Heights. From thence 
he removed to Lexington, Kentucky. After spending 
several years in teaching in the West, he returned to 
New Jersey. His latter years were passed happily and 
usefully among his children. Mr. Van Doren was emi- 
nently social, given to hospitality, the gifted counsellor 
of young clergymen and of all w^ho sought his advice. 
He was not a brilliant man, but was remarkable for sound 
common sense, of a cheerful disposition, unspotted integ- 
rity, and unostentatious piety. He died at Perth Amboy, 
August 12, 1864. 

Mr. Van Doren's only publication was a Tract entitled, " A Summary of 
Christian Duty," compiled from the Douay Bible. 

Joshua Madox Wallace, son of Joshua Madox 
Wallace, Esq., was born at Philadelphia, September 4, 
1776. The capture of the city soon after by the British 
forces, caused the retirement of the family of the parents of 
Mr. Wallace to a seat of theirs on the Raritan, Somerset 
County, New Jersey, called Ellerslie, after the ancestral es- 
tate in Scotland, from which country, Mr. John Wallace, 
the grandfather of the subject of our notice, came. The 
elder Mr. Wallace, himself a scholar, instructed his son 
during more tender years, at his own home. He was after- 
Avards placed with a younger brother, John Bradford (of 
whom more hereafter), under the care of the Rev. William 
Frazer, a particular personal friend of the elder Mr. Wal- 
lace, and a most exemplary clergyman of the Church of 
England and minister of the Episcopal Church at Am- 

[ 270 ] 



1793- 

well, not very far from the country seat of Mr. Wallace. 
On the close of the war, the elder Mr. Wallace having 
established his residence in Burlington, New Jersey, this 
son in due time was entered at Princeton College ; an 
institution in which the father had always taken great 
interest, and of which, from 1798, till his death in 18 19, he 
was an active and efficient Trustee. We have no par- 
ticular record of his studies and progress there. It 
seems to have been satisfactory. His younger brother 
was placed there a year or two afterwards. President 
Samuel Stanhope Smith writes to their father, March 27, 
1792 : *' It gives me singular pleasure to be able to say of 
the good morals, diligence and talents of your sons, every 
thing that the fondest and worthiest parents can wish, 
and I anticipate the satisfaction which you must have in 
their company when they return home after their exam- 
ination ; and you will allow me to say I sincerely par- 
ticipate in it." 

After his graduation, Mr. Wallace was placed in the 
counting-house of Mr. William Cramond, an English 
merchant of high standing in Philadelphia, with a view 
to entering on commercial pursuits. A few years after- 
wards, he was sent abroad, visiting the Island of Ma- 
deira, and passing some time in Great Britain and Ire- 
land, and making what was then called the '' grand tour" 
of the Continent. He married, as appears by Sir Bernard 
Burke's '' Visitation of Seats and Arms " (where an ac- 
count of the family is given, vol. i., p. 32), ^' Rebecca 
daughter of William Mcllvaine, of Burlington, in New 
Jersey, M.D.," and died at his country residence near 
Philadelphia, January 7, 1821. A son of Mr. Wallace 
graduated at Princeton in 1833, and an only surviving son, 
EUerslie Wallace, M.D., a well-known physician of Phila- 
delphia, is now a Professor in one of the principal medi- 
cal colleges in that city. 

[271 ] 



1794- 

Thomas M, Bayly, a Virginian by birth, entered 
into public life in 1798, and continued therein until 1830. 
He served in both branches of the Virginia Legislature, 
and was a member of the State Constitutional Conven- 
tion of 1830. From 18 13 to 1815, he was in the House of 
Representatives of the United States. It was said of Mr. 
Bayly that he never lost an election. He died in 1834. 

James M, Broom was a member of Congress from 
Delaware, from 1805 to 1807. He died in 1850. 

George Washington Camphell entered the pro- 
fession of the law. He was a member of Congress from 
Tennessee from 1803 to 1809, serving during the two last 
terms as Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means. 
He was afterwards appointed Judge of the United States 
District Court of Tennessee. In 181 1, he was elected to 
the United States Senate, but resigned on being appoint- 
ed Secretary of the Treasury in 18 14. The following 
year he resumed his seat in the Senate, and served till 
18 18, when he was appointed Minister to Russia, where 
he remained until 1821. He died February 7, 1848. 

Edmund Elmendorf acted as a tutor for several 
months after graduating. He studied law and was ad- 
mitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jer- 
sey, at the September Term, 1799; and as a Counsellor 
at the May Term, 1800. Mr. Elmendorf removed to the 
City of New York, where he engaged in practice. For a 
number of years he was Clerk in Chancery. He died in 
1856. 

[ 272 ] 



1794- 

Nicholas Everett was a nephew of the wife of Wal- 
ter Minto, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philos- 
ophy in the College at Princeton. He studied law and 
practiced in New York City. He was at one time a 
Justice of one of the City Courts. Mr. Everett was a 
laborious, active man, but not at all brilliant. 

William B. Ewing became a Physician. He was a 
member of the Legislature of New Jersey, and at one 
time Speaker of the Lower House. He died in 1866. 

James G-. Force was ordained by the Presbytery of 
New York, November 30, 1796, and installed as pastor of 
New Providence, New Jersey. He was dismissed from 
this charge October 6, 1802. He died in 1849. 

Moore Furmtan was a son of Moore Furman, a 
prominent citizen of Trenton, New Jersey. He entered 
no profession, and died at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, 
April 18, 1804. 

John White Fvirman, a brother of the above, after 
his graduation, resided on a farm at Pittstown, Hunter- 
don County, New Jersey. He was killed by falling from 
his horse. He died April 28, 1802. It was no doubt the 
intention of the two brothers to follow agriculture, as 
their father was a large landed proprietor, but their 
premature death defeated their plans. 

Richard M. Green was a brother of Charles D. Green 
of the class of 1787. He never entered a profession, but 
followed the bent of his inclinations in agricultural pur- 
suits. He died in 1853. 

John Sylvanus Hiester, son of Joseph and Eliza- 
beth Hiester, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, 
July 28, 1794. He began the study of law with Attorney- 
General Bradford, but upon the death of that eminent 
18 [ 273 ] 



1794- 

lawyer in 1795, he passed into the office of Jared Inger- 
soll, under whose direction he finished that study. Mr. 
Hiester never practiced law, but upon Thomas McKean 
becoming Governor of Pennsylvania, he was appointed 
Prothonotary of the Common Pleas, and Clerk of the 
Criminal Court of Berks County. He held this position 
for nine years. For many years he was Cashier of the 
Farmers' Bank of Reading. He died March 7, 1849. 

Thomas Yardley How studied law, and was ad- 
mitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jer- 
sey in May, 1799. A few years later, he took orders in 
the Episcopal Church, and was for a time Rector of 
Grace Church in the City of New York. He had a share 
in the celebrated Church Controversy with Hobart, Linn, 
Beasley, Mason, Miller and others, in the early part of the 
present century. 

In 1 81 2, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from Columbia College, New York. It is said 
that Dr. How afterwards relinquished the ministry, and 
returned to the law, removing to one of the Western 
States, where he probably died. 

Holloway Whitefield Hunt received license from 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick about 1792, and on 
the 17th of June, 1795, was ordained and settled as pastor 
of the Churches at Newton and Hardiston, New Jersey. 
In 1804, he removed to Hunterdon County, and took 
charge of the United Churches of Kingwood, Bethlehem 
and Alexandria. He was a tall, portly man, of a very 
fair complexion, and in later years his hair white with 
age. He was a man of fair abilities, and in his prime was 
a popular preacher. His manners were bland and at- 
tractive, and he had the faculty of attaching the people 
of his charge very strongly to him. In the latter years 
of his life, Mr. Hunt gave up the active duties of the 
ministry on account of increasing infirmities. He died 
in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, in 1858. 

[ 274 1 



1794- 

Titus Hutchinson. I presume that Mr. Hutchin- 
son was a native of Vermont, where he practiced law 
and rose to distinction. In October, 1825, he was ap- 
pointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, in 
which position he remained until 1830, when he was ap- 
pointed Chief-Justice. 

Mr. Hutchinson died in 1857. 

Henry Kollock, a son of Shepard Kollock, of Eliza- 
bethtown, New Jersey, spent three years following- his 
graduation at his father's house, reviewing his college 
studies. In 1797 he was appointed tutor, John Henry 
Hobart being his colleague, between whom and Kollock 
there sprang up a most intimate and ardent friendship, 
which lasted during life. At this period there was in the 
college a Literary Association called the " Belles Lettres 
Society," consisting of the officers of the college and the 
resident graduates. They met once in two weeks, and 
the exercises consisted in reading an essay, followed with 
remarks or criticisms by the members, and then a debate 
on some political, literary, moral or religious question. 
The subject was selected several weeks before it was 
taken up, and all were expected to come prepared. On 
one of these occasions, the subject selected was the ex- 
clusive right of Bishops, in the Episcopal sense of the 
term, to ordain to the office of the gospel ministry ; and 
our two young tutors were the combatants. Great in- 
terest was excited, not only by the nature of the subject, 
but also by the known talents of the debaters. Each, of 
course, took the side of the church to which he belonged, 
and brought all his ability to the defence of it. It was 
Saturday afternoon, and many of the under-graduates, 
who were not permitted to enter the room, abandoning 
their usual walks and amusements, collected, some around 
the library door, where the debate was held, and others 
on the outside of the building, so that, through the open 
windows, they might catch something of what was said. 
There they stood fixed for two or three hours. The de- 

[275] 



1794- 

bate was ably and eloquently conducted on both sides ; 
and the Presbyterians who were present did not think 
their cause suffered in the hands of Mr. Kollock. To the 
honour of the disputants, this exciting debate did not, for 
a moment, interrupt their kindly feelings towards each 
other. In 1800, Mr. Kollock was licensed to preach by 
the Presbytery of New York, still holding his position 
as tutor, and preaching to the congregation in Princeton, 
where his eloquence made a profound impression. 

After leaving the college, he became pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, where he remain- 
ed for three years. His fame was not confined to his 
own State. He received calls from many important 
churches. In 1803, the Trustees of the College appointed 
him Professor of Theology, and the Congregation of 
Princeton invited him to be their pastor. Accordingly, 
in the autumn of that year, he returned to Princeton in 
the double character of professor and pastor. But he 
was not permitted to remain here long. After repeated 
solicitations, he was prevailed on to accept a call from 
the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, 
Georgia, and in 1806 he removed to his new field of la- 
bour. 

In 1 8 10 he was called to the Presidency of the Uni- 
versity of Georgia, which he declined. While in Sa- 
vannah his labours were abundant, especially among those 
ill with the yellow fever; and although he was not at- 
tacked by the fever, yet his health finally gave way, and 
he was compelled, for a time, to leave his charge, making 
a tour through Europe. On his return in 18 17 he entered 
again into the same exhausting course of labour ; but in 
less than two years he broke down again, and died De- 
cember, 29, 1 8 19. 

Dr. James W. Alexander says of Mr. Kollock that he 
was " one of the most ornate yet vehement orators whom 
our country has produced." 

A collection of Dr. Kollock's Sermons was published in Savannah in 
i82z, in 4 volumes 8vo. 

[ 276 ]• 



1794- 

Paul Paulison, after graduating, studied theology, 
intending to enter the ministry of the Reformed Dutch 
Church, but he was never ordained. He passed his whole 
life in Hackensack, New Jersey, his native town, where 
he died in 1832. Two of his sons graduated at Prince- 
ton, one in 1822 and the other in 1834. 

Henry Polheinus, a native of Somerset County, 
New Jersey, was licensed by the Classis of New York 
in 1798, and settled as pastor of the Reformed Dutch 
Churches of Harlingen and Nashanic, New Jersey, in 
1798, where he remained until 1809, when he became 
pastor of the Church at English Neighbourhood, New 
Jersey. Mr. Polhemus continued in this charge until 
18 1 3, when he became pastor of the Church at Shawan- 
gunck, New York, where he remained until his death, 
which occurred in 18 16. 

Edwin Reese was probably the son of Dr. Thomas 
Reese of the class of -1768. After his graduation, he re- 
turned to the South, and became Principal of a flourish- 
ing Academy in Pendleton District, South Carolina. 

John N. Simpson was born in Bucks County, Penn- 
sylvania, April 6, 1770. After graduating, he married a 
daughter of Dr. Wiggins, of Princeton, and settled upon 
a farm near that place. After a few years he removed 
to Baskingridge, and represented the County of Somer- 
set in the Legislature of New Jersey. In 181 1 he re- 
moved to New Brunswick and entered largely into mer- 
cantile business, having a partner in a large house in 
New York. He was again elected to the Legislature, 
and represented Middlesex County for a number of years ; 
he was also at one time Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas of that county, and was for a long time Cashier of 
the Bank of New Brunswick. Mr. Simpson was a great 
friend of education and internal improvement. Perhaps 
no person in the State did more to develope the re- 

' [^77] 



1794- 

sources of the State. When the project was first spoken 
of, for a canal to unite the Delaware and Raritan, by 
Mr. Simpson, in the Legislature of New Jersey, it 
was considered impracticable. He drew up the first 
bill that was ever presented for a charter for a com- 
pany to make the said canal, but did not live to see it 
completed. 

It was owing mainly to his influence that the State 
of New Jersey was stimulated to take the part she 
did in promoting the cause of common school educa- 
tion. 

A few years before his death, Mr. Simpson edited a 
paper in Princeton called the Princeton Courier. He 
was a great friend of his Alma Mater, and, after his 
death, there was found among his papers a subscrip- 
tion-list in behalf of rebuilding the college, drawn 
up by him, while it was in flames, and headed 
by him with a subscription of five hundred dollars ; 
and it is said that, before the flames were extin- 
guished, he had a subscription-list of five thousand 
dollars. 

Mr. Simpson w^as an elder in the Presbyterian Church 
in New Brunswick. He died in Princeton, May 13, 
1832. 

Jolin Brown Slemons received his license to preach 
from the Presbytery of New Castle in 1797, and was 
installed pastor of Monokin and Wicomico Churches 
in Maryland in June, 1799. He remained in this charge 
until 1 82 1, when he retired to a farm which he owned, 
and spent the remainder of his days in retirement. Mr. 
Slemons was a man of more than ordinary powers, and 
was said to have been a Boanerges. He was pointed 
and often blunt. His delivery was not esteemed equal 
to his sermonizing powers. An anecdote of Benjamin 
Dashiel, an Episcopalian and lawyer, contemporary of Mr. 
Slemons, who set a pretty high estimate upon his own 
oratorical powers, is a very good illustration of the esti- 

[278! 



1794- 

mate put upon Mr. Slemons's Sermons. Mr. Dashiel is 
handed down to have said, " Let Parson Slemons 2vrzU 
the sermon, let me preach it, and big Billy Handy set 
the Psalm, and we will convert the devil." 

John Bradford Wallace was a brother of Joshua 
M. Wallace of the preceding class. He was born at 
Ellerslie, his father's seat, August 17, 1778. His course 
at Princeton was manly and exemplary. He was inva- 
riably diligent, patient and accurate in his studies. The 
vigour and precision of his memory was one of the re- 
sults of his regularity and care, and, in connection with 
a delightful voice and enunciation, was such that Presi- 
dent Smith used often to say, " It was indeed a pleasure 
to hear Mr. Wallace's recitations." 

Mr. Wallace was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 
1797 md before long was acknowledged to stand in its 
most dignified ranks. Strength, discrimination and di- 
rectness were the characteristics of his understanding. 
In 1822 Mr. Wallace fixed his residence in Meadville, 
Pennsylvania. He was soon elected to the Legislature 
of the State, which position he held for three successive 
years, when he removed to Philadelphia. 

Mr. Wallace was a warm and active member of the 
Episcopal Church.- His piety was bright and remarkably 
practical. A fervid and delightful sentiment, it inspired 
in his own heart both love and confidence. After his 
graduation Mr. Wallace assumed the middle name of 
Bradford, after his mother's family. He died in Phila- 
delphia, January 7, 1837. 

William R. Williamson was admitted an Attor- 
ney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the 
May Term, 1799, and practiced in Essex County, New 
Jersey. 

John R. Witherspoon was from South Carolina. 
He studied medicine and practiced in his native State, 

[ 279 ] 



1794- 

but afterwards removed to Alabama, where he died in 
1850. He published a description of a Latin Bible in his 
possession. Dr. Witherspoon was widely known and 
highly respected throughout the South. 

[ 280 ] 



2j 



1795. 

James Agnew was the son of Daniel Agnew, an 
Irishman, an Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Prince- 
ton, and for some time Steward of the College. After 
graduating, Mr. Agnew studied medicine, and was rising 
to prominence as a physician at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
when he died in 1800. 

John A. Boyd studied law, and was admitted an At- 
torney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, at the No- 
vember Term, 1799, ^^^ settled at Hackensack, Bergen 
County, New Jersey. Mr. Boyd was Surrogate of Ber- 
gen County from November, 1803, till his death in 1828. 

David Comfort was licensed by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick in 1798, and soon after became pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church at Kingston, New Jersey, where 
he laboured during a long life, honoured and beloved by 
all. From 18 16 until his death in 1853, he was a Trustee 
of the College. 

Silas Condit was a native of Newark, New Jersey. 
He represented New Jersey in Congress from 1831 to 
1833 ; and was a member of the State Convention which 
formed the Constitution in 1844. Mr. Condit was a man 
highly esteemed, and held offices of trust in his native 
town. He died November 29, 1861. 

George R. Cuthbert belonged to an influential 
family in Canada. After graduating, he returned to 
Canada. 

. [281] 



1795- 

Josiah Harrison, a native of New Jersey, after his 
graduation studied law, and was admitted to the Bar at 
the February Term of the Supreme Court of New Jer- 
sey, in 1800. He practiced for many years in Gloucester 
and Burhngton Counties, and was for a number of years 
Law Reporter of the Supreme Court. He died in 1865. 

Mr. Harrison published: Laws of" New Jersey, 1820-183;^; Camden, 
1833. 8vo. New Jersey Supreme Court Reports, 1837-1842, 4 vols., 8vo, 
1839-1843. 

Samuel Hayes was from Newark, New Jersey. He 
studied medicine with Dr. J. R. B. Rodgers of the class 
of 1775. In 1799, he was appointed *' Apothecary of the 
New York Hospital." In 1800, he sailed to India as Sur- 
geon of the ship " Swan." In 1803, he was in the drug 
business in New York for a few months, and in 1804, he 
became associated with Dr. Cyrus Pierson in the prac- 
tice of medicine in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Hayes 
was a man of acknowledged skill. He was a good scholar 
and faithful to the interests of his patients. He ever 
maintained a high Christian character. He died July 30, 
1839. 

Elbert Herring, the sole living representative of the 
graduates of the eighteenth century, bears about with him 
the burden and the honours of ninety-five years. He is still 
sound in body and in mind. He was born the year after 
Independence was declared. He entered college when 
Dr. Witherspoon was President, and was present at his 
funeral the next year, and the impression made by the 
appearance of that noble form as it lay in the coffin, has 
never been obliterated. Seventy-three years after that 
event, Judge Herring sat with his classmate Joseph War- 
ren Scott upon the stage, and witnessed the inauguration 
of another eminent Scotchman, who like his great com- 
peer, has infused new life into the venerable body of our 
beloved Alma Mater. 

After graduating, Mr. Herring entered upon the prac- 

[28?] 



1795- 

tice of the law in New York, his native city. In 1805, he 
was appointed Judge of the Marine Court, which posi- 
tion he held for three years ; and was again appointed to 
the same office a few years later. Judge Herring was a 
confidential friend of De Witt Clinton, and was by him 
appointed the first Register of the City and County of 
New York. In 1831, he was appointed by General Jack- 
son the first Commissioner of Indian Affairs, which posi- 
tion he held for about five years. Judge Herring long 
since retired from the active duties of life, but not from 
the public duties of a living Christian. His seat in the 
church and the prayer-meeting is seldom vacant. 

Patrick Houstoun was a son of Richard Houstoun 
of Georgia, and was a grandson of Sir Patrick Houstoun, 
and a nephew of Governor John Houstoun of Georgia. 
After graduating, he returned to Georgia. 

George W. Woodruff of the class of 1783, married a 
sister of Patrick Houstoun. 

Richard Rayhold Keene was a native of Dorches- 
ter County, Maryland. While in college he was a schol- 
ar of respectable standing. After graduating, he estab- 
lished himself as a lawyer in Baltimore, and married the 
daughter of Luther Martin of the class of 1766. Mr. 
Keene afterwards removed to New Orleans, and made 
quite a figure in the political Avorld as District Attorney 
of the United States for the Orleans Territory, and was 
a conspicuous character in the disputes which grew out 
of the Burr Conspiracy. He afterwards resided several 
years in Spain, where, during the war with Napoleon, he 
bore the rank of Colonel in the Spanish service. Mr. 
Keene's second wife was a native of Spain. The life of 
Mr. Keene was checkered by many and singular turns of 
adverse and prosperous fortune, and he closed his career 
possessed of little of this world's wealth. 

He died at St. Louis while on a visit to Colonel Rich- 
ard R. Keene, in 1839. 

[-283] 



1795- 

Mr. Keene published : " A Memorial to the Spanish Government," which 
made some noise at the time. 



Eleazer W. Keyes returned to his home in Connec- 
ticut after graduation, and became quite prominent as a 
lawyer. Mr. Keyes married the daughter of General 
Ethan Allen of Revolutionary fame. 

Elias Riggs received his license to preach from the 
Presbytery of New York in March, 1802, and for some 
time supplied the Presbyterian Church at Perth Amboy, 
New Jersey. On the 2d of August he was ordained. In 
the month of October, 1806, he removed to New Provi- 
dence, New Jersey, and was installed pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Church in that place, June 10, 1807. He con- 
tinued in this pastoral charge to the end of his life. He 
died February 25, 1825. Mr. Riggs was eminently a 
godly man and a faithful pastor, and commanded by his 
exemplary life and conversation, the affections of his 
people and respect of the community. He entailed upon 
the world a well-trained family that does honour to his 
name, and has done good to the Church and the world. 
Mr. Riggs left a family of two sons and four daughters, 
both of his sons becoming Presbyterian ministers, the 
younger one being the distinguished missionary at Con- 
stantinople, the Rev. Elias Riggs, D.D., LL.D. 

Joseph Warren Scott, a son of Dr. Moses Scott of 
New Brunswick, New Jersey, after graduating, studied 
medicine for a short time with his father, and also paid 
some attention to theology, a science congenial to his in- 
tellect and early education. On one occasion he attended 
court in New York and became greatly interested in the 
able argument of one of the lawyers, and this was the in- 
centive that led him to adopt the law as his profession. 
He was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of 
New Jersey, at the February Term, 1801, and a Counsel- 
lor, February, 1804, and was called Sergeant at Law, at 

[284] . 



1795- 

the February Term, 1816. In criminal cases he showed 
great power and almost resistless eloquence. He argued 
his last case at the age of eighty, and spoke for several 
hours without much weariness, considering his years. 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United 
States, on hearing of his death writes to a friend, " Ge- 
nial and bright in intellect and wit, four score and ten 
years had not, when last I met him, quenched the ardour 
of his warm and impulsive nature ; and I shall ever re- 
member Colonel Warren Scott as one of the most attract- 
ive talkers and agreeable companions whom it has been 
my fortune to meet." Colonel Scott died April 27, 1871, 
having, with the Hon. Elbert Herring of the same class, 
long outlived all his contemporaries. 

John Sergeant, a native of Philadelphia, was a son 
of Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant of the class of 1762, and 
a great grandson of President Dickinson. After leaving 
college, Mr. Sergeant was for a short time a clerk in a 
mercantile house, but this not suiting his tastes, he stud- 
ied law and was admitted to the Bar in 1799. For several 
years he was Prosecutor for the Commonwealth of Penn'a. 
Mr. Sergeant was a member of the House of Represent- 
atives from 181 5 to 1823, from 1827 to 1829, and from 
1837 to 1842. He was especially famous for his part in 
the great Missouri Compromise of 1820. He was selected 
by President Adams to represent the United States in 
the Panama Congress. The measures of international 
law which were proposed to be settled in that Congress, 
were deemed so important that Mr. Clay, the Secretary 
of State, had filled eighty pages of instructions to Mr. 
Sergeant on the subject. In 1832 he was a candidate for 
Vice-President of the United States on the same ticket 
with Mr. Clay. In 1840 President Harrison tendered to 
him the niission to England, which he declined. Mr. 
Sergeant was for half a century known and honoured for 
his extraordinary ability in his profession of the law, for 
his habitual courtesy, his liberal fairness, and his un- 

[ 285 1 



1795- 

doubted integrity. In the cause of charity he was never 
appealed to in vain ; and for many years before his death 
took an active interest in all the public affairs of his na- 
tive city. He received the honorary degree of Doctor 
of Laws from Union College in 1822, from Dickinson 
College in 1826, and from Harvard in 1844. 

Mr. Sergeant's Select Speeches were published in 1832; and a number 
of Addresses appeared separately. 

Edward Darrell Smith studied medicine and be- 
came Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy in the Col- 
lege of South Carolina. He died near St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, August 17, 1 8 19. 

Dr. Smith published, Translation of Desault's Surgical Works, two vol- 
umes, 8vo. 1 8 14. Inaugural Dissertation on the Circulation ; Philadel- 
phia, 1800. 

John Witherspoon Smith, a son of President 
Samuel Stanhope Smith, studied law and removed to St. 
Louis, where he became Judge of the United States Dis- 
trict Court of St. Louis. 

Robert Johnstone Taylor was born at Belfast, 
Ireland, in December, 1777. He was the son of Captain 
Jesse Taylor and Elizabeth Johnstone. On the 29th of 
September, 1779, his father, with his entire family, con- 
sisting of his wife and eight children, of which the subject 
of this notice, then not two years old, was the youngest, 
embarked in a vessel, of which he was the sole owner, 
mounting fourteen guns, bound for Philadelphia. After 
a long and stormy passage of thirteen weeks, and being 
compelled to throw ten of his guns overboard, his ship, 
by stress of weather, was driven ashore at the mouth of 
James River, in Virginia, got amongst the ice, and with 
a cargo of salt, then estimated to be worth ten " hard dol- 
lars" per bushel, was totally lost. After the loss of his 
vessel, he went with his family to Williamsburg, and re- 
mained there until May, 1780, when he removed to Alex- 
andria. 

[286] 



1795- 

The subject of this sketch was prepared for college by 
the celebrated Dr. James McWhirr, who predicted for 
his pupil a brilliant career. Mr. Taylor graduated at the 
head of his class, and immediately commenced the study 
of law at Alexandria, in the office of Colonel Charles 
Simms, and was admitted to the Bar in 1798. On the fly 
leaf of his note book, under the date of November, 1795, 
in his own handwriting, is the following quotation from 
" Johnson's London :" 

" But thou, should tempting villany present, 
All Marlbro hoarded, or all Villiers spent, 
Turn from the glittering bribe thy scornful eye. 
Nor sell for gold what gold can never buy ; 
The peaceful slumber, self-approving day, 
Unsullied fame and conscience ever gay." 

Practicing on the principles inculcated in these noble 
lines through a long, useful and active life, he secured 
the confidence and respect of every one who knew him, 
and at the time of his death stood in the front rank of his 
profession, side by side with those great Virginia lawyers 
of his day. Chapman Johnson, Henry St. George Tucker, 
Benjamin Watkins Leigh, and Robert Stannard. From 
the year 18 13 to 1830 his practice was large in the Su- 
preme Court of the United States, but he was compelled 
to relinquish it, his practice in the courts of his State 
having become so extensive and onerous as to leave him 
no time for any thing else. At the Bar of the Supreme 
Court he ranked as a lawyer with Pinckney, Wirt, Wal- 
ter Jones, and his class-mate, John Sergeant of Philadel- 
phia, whom he frequently encountered in the argument 
of important cases, and who all recognized in him ''a 
foeman worthy of their steel." It was after an able argu- 
ment in one of these cases, that Chief-Justice Marshall 
paid him the highest compliment probably ever paid to 
a lawyer, when he said that he was the only lawyer he 
had ever known in all his experience at the Bar and on 
the Bench, who never said a word too much or a word 
too little for the cause he advocated. Mr. Taylor died 

[287] 



1795- 

at Alexandria on the 4th of October, 1840, universally be- 
loved, esteemed and lamented. 

A son of Mr. Taylor graduated in the class of 1835, and 
is now an eminent lawyer in Alexandria. 

Abraham Ten Eyke was from Albany, New York, 
to which city he returned after graduation and com- 
menced the practice of law. 

James Tilton was a native of Delaware, and a son 
of Nehemiah Tilton, a Colonel in the Revolutionary 
army, and otherwise employed during his life in govern- 
ment service. After his graduation he studied medicine 
and commenced practice in Wilmington. He afterwards 
removed to the western country. 

Matthew G. Walliace studed theology with the 
Rev. Nathan Grier, and removed immediately to Ohio. 
Mr. Wallace was among the first Presbyterian Ministers 
who settled in Ohio. About the year 1802 he became 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, 
which had been founded in 1790 by Rev. David Rice of 
the class of 176 1. Afterwards he preached at Springfield, 
Hamilton and other places in Ohio. He was in the 
ministry nearly sixty years, and in the latter part of his 
life resided in Terre Haute, Indiana, without charge, 
where he died at the age of eighty, August 12, 1854. 

Clayton Wright was a native of Queen Ann County, 
Maryland, and was killed early in life in a duel. 

[ 288 1 



1796. 

William T. Anderson, a Jerseyman by birth, stud- 
ied law, and was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme 
Court of New Jersey at the September Term, 1801. Mr. 
Anderson pursued his profession in Sussex County, New 
Jersey, for many years. He was a man of high standing 
and character, and of considerable legal attainments. 
He died in 1850. 

Henry Axtell, a son of Henry Axtell, a farmer and 
a revolutionary officer, was born at Mendham, New 
Jersey, June 9, 1773. After his graduation, he taught 
school for several years at Morristown and Mendham. 
In 1804 he removed to Geneva, New York, where he was 
for several years more at the head of a flourishing school. 
On the 1st of November, 1810, he was licensed to preach 
by the Presbytery of Geneva, and, after preaching in 
various places, he was, in 18 12, installed as colleague 
pastor with the Rev. Jedediah Chapman, at Geneva. 
Here he remained during his life. The degree of Doctor 
of Divinity was conferred upon him by Middlebury 
College in 1823. Dr. Axtell was a bold and faithful 
preacher, and sometimes very powerful. He was both 
practical and argumentative, and eminently scriptural in 
his preaching. 

In stature, he was rather above the average, of a broad, 
athletic form. He died in the utmost peace, February 
II, 1849. 

Dr. Axtell published a Sermon preached at the ordination of Julius 
Steele, 1816. 

George C. Barber was admitted an Attorney of the 
19 [ 289 ] 



1796. 

Supreme Court of New Jersey at the February Term, 
1 801. He practiced in Elizabethtown, and was for some 
time Clerk of the Borough. Mr. Barber was an elder in 
the Presbyterian Church. He married a daughter of 
Governor Aaron Ogden of the class of 1773. He died 
in 1828. 

John Macplierson Berrien. The ancestors of 
Mr. Berrien were Huguenots. His grandfather was 
John Berrien, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court 
of New Jersey. The father of Mr. Berrien removed in 
early life to Georgia, and during the Revolutionary 
struggle was an officer in the American Army, and was 
very conspicuous at the Battle of Monmouth. His 
mother was a vSister of John Macpherson of the class of 
1766. 

The subject of our sketch was born in New Jersey 
during a temporary residence of his parents, August 23, 
1 78 1. After graduating, he returned to Georgia, and 
read law in the office of Joseph Clay, a graduate of the 
class of 1784, and was admitted to the Bar before he was 
eighteen. He now applied himself to his profession with 
great industry. His books were his delight, and to his 
studious habits, in the early stages of his legal career, 
may doubtless be attributed the great success which he 
afterwards met with, and Avhich placed him in time 
among the first lawyers in America. In November, 1809, 
he was elected Solicitor of the Eastern District of the 
State of Georgia, and the following year Judge of the 
same district. This office he held for twelve years, being 
re-elected every three years. During this period, the 
war of 181 2 occurred, and the excitement of the public 
mind added, in no small degree, to the responsibilities of 
his station; but he administered the laws with prudence, 
firmness and impartiality. 

In 1822 and 1823 he was in the Legislature, and in 1824 
was chosen to the United States Senate. During his 
term in the Senate, there was not a subject of general 

[ 290 ] 



1796. 

interest with which he did not display consummate 
knowledge. His speeches were always listened to with 
profound attention, and acquired for him the reputation 
of being one of the most gifted orators and able states- 
men in our country. 

In 1829 Mr. Berrien was appointed Attorney-General 
of the United States, in consequence of which he resigned 
his seat in the Senate. This office he resigned in 1831. 
In 1840 he was re-elected to the Senate. This period 
will long be remembered for the important and delicate 
questions which agitated the counsels of the nation. In 
them Mr. Berrien took a prominent part, and added to 
the fame he had already acquired. He resigned his seat 
in the Senate in May, 1852, and retired to private life. 
In 1830 Princeton conferred upon him the degree of 
Doctor of Laws, on the occasion of his delivering an ad- 
dress before the literary societies. Mr. Berrien died Jan- 
uary I, 1856. 

His publications consist of a few Addresses and Speeches. 

Ellas Bouclinot Caldwell, a son of James Cald- 
well of the class of 1759, was for many years Clerk of the 
Supreme Court of the United States, but is especiall}^ 
known for the prominent part he took in the cause of 
African Colonization. In honour of him the managers of 
the Society gave the name of Caldwell to a town in their 
African colony. While living in Washington, Mr. Cald- 
well obtained a license from the Presbytery, and was ac- 
customed to preach to the ignorant and degraded in that 
city. He died in May, 1825. 

A Speech of Mr. CaldAvell's, on African Colonization, was published in 
1817. 

Moses I. Cantine entered college from the State of 
New York, and, after graduating, studied law and settled 
in Catskill. In 1 8 14 he was elected to the State Senate from 
the Middle District, his colleague from the same District 
being William Ross of the class of 1792. In 1820 he be- 

[ 291 ] 




1796. 

came one of the proprietors and editors of the Albany 
Argus, Mr. Cantine was a brother-in-law of Martin Van 
Buren. He was frank, generous and kind in his social 
intercourse, and, although not brilliant, was a man of 
highly respectable talents. 

John Starke Edwards was a son of the Hon. Pier- 
pont Edwards of Connecticut, and grandson of President 
Edwards. After graduating, he returned to New Haven 
and commenced the study of law, and attended the lec- 
tures at the law school of Tapping Reeve at Litchfield. 
He was admitted to the Bar as Attorney and Counsellor 
in 1799 ; and in the same year removed to Ohio — to what 
was then known as the Western Reserve. In 1800, he 
was appointed by Governor St. Clair, Recorder of Trum- 
bull County. He was admitted to practice by the Gene- 
ral Court of the Territory North-west of the Ohio River, 
in October of the same year. In 1812, he was commis- 
sioned as Colonel of one of the regiments in the Fourth 
Division of Ohio Militia, then under command of Gene- 
ral Elijah Wads worth, a distinguished Revolutionary 
patriot ; and after General Hull's surrender at Detroit, 
August 15, 18 1 2, by which the whole north-western fron- 
tier was thrown open to invasion by the enemy, he took 
an active part with other patriotic citizens of the country 
in concerting measures of defence. 

In October, 1812, he was elected to Congress from the 
Sixth District of Ohio, but he never took his seat, for in 
January, 18 13, on a visit to the army on the north-west- 
ern frontier, he was seized with camp fever, and died on 
the 29th of that month. 

The social and professional standing of Mr. Edwards 
was all that the most ambitious and aspiring could de- 
sire, and his prospects of future distinction in public and 
'private life were bright and flattering in the highest 
degree. 

Mr. Edwards was a man of fine appearance, and in 
stature about six feet in height, stoutly built, of florid 

[ 292 ] 



1796. 

complexion, and commanding presence. He was not an 
easy and fluent speaker, and therefore not distinguished 
as an advocate ; but his fine legal attainments, his can- 
dour, honourable bearing and undoubted integrity, won 
the confidence and respect of his professional brethren 
of the court and of the jury, and he was eminently a suc- 
cessful lawyer. 

Wilhemus Eltinge received his license to preach 
in 1798, and from 1799 to 1850, was pastor of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church at Paramus and Saddle River, 
New Jersey, and other churches gathered in the vicinity. 
Called at the early age of twenty-one to the ministry, he 
remained for fifty-one years in a single charge ; at times, 
however, adding to this a neighbouring congregation. 
He was a man of great firmness and decision. It was 
difficult to change his opinion when once formed. He 
was a pointed preacher. He neither courted the favour 
nor feared the frowns of men. During the first three 
years of his ministry, he was blessed with a great revival, 
about three hundred being added to his churches. He 
was a ready debater, and always active in- ecclesiastical 
bodies. He lived almost forty years on a farm of his own, 
ten miles from his charge ; and would start on Saturday 
morning, lecture in some house in the evening, preach on 
Sabbath morning, and lecture again in the evening on his 
way home. He often quoted to young ministers, when 
urging them to diligence in the Master's work, " Junior- 
ies ad labor es ! Senior es ad honor es f '" He received the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Rutgers Col- 
lege in 1839. ^^ diQd in 185 1. 

John Fitzgerald, a native of South Carolina, died 
the year after his graduation. 

Robert M. Forsyth was the eldest son of Major 
Forsyth, the first Marshal of Georgia, and brother of 
Governor John Forsyth of the class of 1799. ^^ P^^- 

[ ''9Z ] 



1796. 

nounced the Valedictory Oration at the time of his grad- 
uation, and was considered the best public speaker who 
had been in the college for many years, and he has not, 
perhaps, often been since surpassed. He was distin- 
guished for his remarkable scholarship while in college, 
as well as for every moral grace and virtue. Mr. For- 
syth died of the yellow fever at Savannah in the autumn 
of 1797, the year after his graduation. 

William Gaston was a native of Newbern, North 
Carolina. His father. Dr. Alexander Gaston, was a man 
of letters, and a determined patriot. Mr. Gaston was 
first sent to the Catholic College at Georgetown, District 
of Columbia, but his health failing, he returned home, and 
in 1794, entered Princeton. He graduated with the high- 
est honours of his class. ** The proudest moment of my 
life," he once said, " was when I communicated the in- 
formation to my mother that I had not only graduated, 
but with honour." And he has often been heard to say, 
that whatever distinction he had attained in life, was ow- 
ing to her pious counsel and faithful conduct, Mr. Gas- 
ton studied law with Fran§ois Xavier Martin, and w^as 
admitted to the Bar in 1798. 

In 1800, when only twenty-two years of age, he w^as 
elected to the Senate of North Carolina. But his small 
patrimony demanded his close attention to his profession, 
and he did not again appear in public life until 1808, when 
he was elected a member of the House of Commons, of 
which body he was chosen Speaker. In 181 3, he was 
elected a Member of Congress ; and again in 181 5. Here 
he attracted the attention of the whole country by his 
eloquence and manly boldness. At the end of his second 
term, he declined re-election, and devoted himself to his 
profession. In 1827, he was again returned to the House 
of Commons. In 1834, Mr. Gaston was elected Judge of 
the Supreme Court of North Carolina. In 1840, he was 
solicited to accept the post of United States Senator, 
but he declined, and devoted himself with new ardour to 

[ 294] 



1796. « 

the duties of his Judgeship. The manner in which he 
discharged his important duties ; his profound and varied 
Hterature ; his extensive legal knowledge ; his severe and 
patient research ; his polished and clear composition, ren- 
der his opinions not only monuments of legal learning, 
but models of elegant literature. He died January 23, 
1844. Judge Gaston received the honorary degree of 
Doctor of Laws from Princeton, on the occasion of his 
delivering an address before the literary societies of the 
College in 1835 ; from the University of Pennsylvania in 
1819 ; from Harvard in 1826, and from the University of 
New York in 1834. 

French F. McMnllen was born in Delaware, and 
after his graduation studied law, and resided near Dover, 
Delaware. He never became distinguished in his pro- 
fession. 

John Moody, a native of Pennsylvania, after leaving 
college, studied theology, and was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of Carlisle in 1801. He was soon after ordained 
by the same Presbytery and settled as pastor of Middle 
Spring Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania, where he re- 
mained until his death in 1857. During the latter years of 
his life he was, through the infirmity of age, unable to 
perform ministerial work. 

He was a laborious, faithful and successful pastor. He 
received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Marshall 
College in 1849. 

Henry W. Ogden, a son of Mathias Ogden of 
Elizabethtown, New Jersey, after graduating, re- 
moved to New Orleans, where he continued until his 
death. 

Philip Clayton Pendleton was from Virginia. 
He studied law, and rose to some eminence in his profes- 
sion. He was the United States District Judge for the 

[29s ] 



1796. 

Western District of Virginia for some years. He died 
in 1863. 

Nathaniel Venable, a brother of Samuel W. Ven- 
able of the class of 1780, returned to Virginia and fol- 
lowed planting. Mr. Venable was one of the first Trustees 
of Hampden Sidney College. 

[ ==96 ] 



1797- 

William and Martin Agnew were twins — the sons 
of Daniel Agnew of Princeton, and brothers of James 
Agnew of the class of 1795. William became insane, but 
continued to reside at Princeton until his death at an 
early age. He wore a long beard, a very uncommon 
thing in those days. Martin became a farmer, and died 
at a very advanced age in Hunterdon County, New 
Jersey, in 1857. 

Thomas Bayley was a native of Somerset County, 
Maryland. He represented his native State in Congress 
from 1817 to 1823. 

Fredrick Beasley was born in North Carolina. 
During his college course he contracted an intimate 
friendship with John Henry Hobart and Henry Kollock, 
which was terminated only by death. After graduating, 
Mr. Beasley studied theology with President Samuel 
Stanhope Smith, acting at the same time as tutor in the 
college. In 1801 he was ordained Deacon by Bishop 
Moore of New York, and Priest by the same, in 1802. 
In September, 1802, he became Rector of St. John's 
Church, Elizabethtown, but the next spring he resigned 
his charge, and accepted a call to the Rectorship of St. 
Peter's Church, Albany. He remained here until 1809, 
when he removed to Baltimore and became Rector of 
St. Paul's Church in that city. In 181 3, his health being 
dehcate, and feeling the need of a position where lighter 
service would be required, he resigned his charge and 
accepted the office of Provost of the University of Penn- 

r ^91 1 



1797- 

sj^lvania, a place that admirably suited his intellectual 
tastes and habits, and its duties he discharged with ac- 
knowledged ability and fidelity for fifteen years. Dr. 
Beasley resigned this post in 1828, and in 1829 became 
Rector of St. Michael's Church, Trenton, New Jersey, 
where he remained until 1836. His health becoming very 
much impaired, he gave up his charge at Trenton and 
removed to Elizabethtown, where he spent the remainder 
of his days, dying November i, 1845. ^^ received the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Columbia 
College and from the University of Pennsylvania in 181 5. 
Dr. Beasley was a man of slight frame, below the ordi- 
nary height, and was very easy and rapid in his move- 
ments. He was remarkably social and frank in all his 
intercourse. His acquirements in literature were very 
considerable, and in these pursuits was his chief delight. 
His sermons were terse, well written, and cogent as to 
reasoning. His studies lay mainly in the direction of 
Mental Philosophy. He had no relish for the Scotch 
Philosophers, but admired John Locke above all others. 

Dr. Beasley published : A Discourse before the Ladies' Society, instituted 
for the Relief of Distressed Seamen in the City of Albany. 1808. Inaugu- 
ral Sermon in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore. 1810. A Sermon on Duelling. 
1811. An Anonymous Pamphlet, entitled Serious Reflections addressed 
to Episcopalians in Maryland, on the State of their Church generally, but 
more particularly on the Pending Election of a Suffragan Bishop. 1813. 
A Sermon before the Diocesan Convention of Pennsylvania. 181 5. Amer- 
ican Dialogues of the Dead. 181 5. A (second) Sermon on Duelling. 1822. 
A Search of Truth in the Science of the Human Mind; Part I., one volume, 
8vo. 1822. [He left in MS. Part II. complete.] A Vindication of the Ar- 
gument a priori in proof of the Being and Attributes of God, from Objec- 
tions of Dr. Waterland. 1825. Review of Brown's Philosophy of the Hu- 
man Mind. 1825. A Vindication of the Fundamental Principles of Truth 
and Order in the Church of Christ, from the Allegations of Rev. William 
E. Channing, D.D. 1830. An Examination of No. 90 of the Tracts for the 
Times. 1842. Dr. Beasley edited the two volumes of Dr. Samuel Stanhope 
Smith's Posthumous Sermons, and wrote the Memoir of his Life prefixed 
to the first volume. He also contributed largely to the periodical literature 
of the day. 

Richard L. Beatty, a native of Monmouth County, 

[ 298 1 



1797- 

New Jersey, after graduating, studied law, and was ad- 
mitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey 
at the November Term, 1802. Mr. Beatty lived and died 
at Allentown, New Jersey. 

James W. Clarke was a native of Bertie County, 
North Carolina. In 1802 and 1803, he represented his 
native county in the House of Commons ; and was again 
a member from Edgecombe County in 181 1. From 18 12 
to 1 8 14 Mr. Clarke was a member of the Senate of North 
Carolina. In 181 5 he was elected to the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the United States ; he served out his term 
and declined re-election. In 1828 he was appointed Chief 
Clerk in the Navy Department at Washington, which 
post he soon resigned. Mr. Clarke died in 1843, esteemed 
and loved by all who knew him. 

Aaron Coe studied law and was admitted an Attor- 
ney of the Supreme Court of New Jersey at the Novem- 
ber Term, 1801. He died in 1857. 

Daniel Crane was from Essex County, New Jersey. 
In 1803 he was licensed by the Morris County Presbyter}?-, 
and the year following was ordained by the same Pres- 
bytery and settled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Chester, New Jersey. He remained in this charge until 
1808, when he became pastor of the Church at Fishkill, 
New York, June 7. Here he laboured with great zeal 
and success for thirteen years. In July, 1821, he took 
charge of the First Congregational Church in Waterbury, 
Connecticut, still retaining his connection with the Pres- 
bytery. In 1825 he returned to Fishkill and taught in a 
select school for two years, and then accepted a call to 
his old charge in Chester, New Jersey. He was installed 
July 18, 1827, and continued there until September 14, 
1 83 1, when he resigned. The remainder of his life was 
passed in preaching and doing good, as health and op- 
portunity permitted. He died April i, 1861. 

[ 299 j 



1797- 

Henry Waggaman Edwards was a brother of 
John Starke Edwards of the class of 1796, and a grand- 
son of President Edwards. He studied law at Litchfield 
under Tapping Reeve, and commenced practice in New 
Haven. He was a Representative in Congress from 18 19 
to 1823, and United States Senator from 1823 to 1827, 
and a member of the State Senate of Connecticut from 
1828 to 1829. In 1830 he was Speaker of the Connecti- 
cut House of Representatives, and was Governor of the 
State in 1833, ^^id from 1835 to 1838. Upon his recom- 
mendation a Geological Survey of the State was taken. 
Mr. Edwards received the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Laws from Yale in 1833. ^^ died July 22, 1847. 

- William Clark Frazer, a native of White Halh 
New Castle County, Delaware, after graduating, studied 
law, and practiced for some years in the City of New 
Castle. Having married a lady in Lancaster, Pennsyl- 
vania, he took up his residence in that place, and in 1836 
was appointed, by General Jackson, Judge of the Eastern 
District of Wisconsin Territory. He filled his judgeship 
a very brief period, dying at Milwaukee, October 18, 
1838, aged 62 years. 

Abraham Harrison, a native of New Jersey, after 
his graduation, followed agricultural pursuits and resided 
in Orange, New Jersey. Mr. Harrison was for many 
years an officer in the Presbyterian Church, and a lead- 
ing man in the community where he resided. He died 
in 1851. 

Thomas Edgar Hughes came to Princeton from 
York County, Pennsylvania. He was licensed to preach 
by the Presbytery of Ohio, October 17, 1798. On the 
27th of August, 1799, h^ w^s ordained and installed 
pastor of the Church of Mount Pleasant, Beaver County, 
Pennsylvania, where he laboured successfully for upwards 
of thirty years. He afterwards removed to Wellsville, 

[ 300] 



1797- 

Ohio, and was pastor of a Presbyterian Church in that 
place for three years. He died May 2, 1838. He was the 
first minister of the gospel who settled north of the Ohio 
River. He performed, at least, two missionary tours to 
the Indians on the Sandusky River, and in the neighbour- 
hood of Detroit. 

Alexander S. Kerr, a native of Pennsylvania, died 
in 1798, the year after he graduated. 

Peter ILe Conte was a son of the Rev. Jedediah 
Chapman, of Orange, New Jersey, and afterwards of 
Western New York. He dropped the name of Chapman 
in order to preserve the name of his mother. He studied 
law as a profession, and rose to eminence at the Bar in 
Western New York. Mr. Le Conte was for many years 
an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Ovid, New York. 
His conversation and life bear witness that he was ac- 
quainted with God, and lived in daily communion with 
him. He was a man of sound judgment, punctual in the 
performance of duty, and employed his talents in the 
service of Christ. He died September 17, 1836. 

Charles Feiiton Mercer. In 1798, while a student 
of law, Mr. Mercer tendered his services to General 
Washington for the defence of the country against a 
threatened invasion by the French, and received from 
him a commission as First Lieutenant of Cavalry, and 
soon after that of Captain, which he declined, not intend- 
ing to devote his life to the military profession. In 1803, 
after spending a year in Europe, he commenced the prac- 
tice of the law in Virginia, his native State. From 18 10 
to 181 7 he was a member of the General Assembly ot 
that State. In 181 1 he was again called to military ser- 
vice by the General Government; and, in 18 13, was ap- 
pointed aid to the Governor, and rose to the rank of 
Brigadier -General of Militia, having command of the 
forces in Norfolk. In 18 16, while in the Legislature, as 

r 301 ] 



1797- 

Chairman of the Committee of Finance, he devoted his 
time to the promotion of internal improvement, and was 
chief supporter of the measure for the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Canal, and was appointed President of the Com- 
pany. From 1817 to 1840 he represented his State in 
Congress. In 1853 he visited Europe for philanthropic 
motives, and used his efforts for the entire abolition of 
the slave trade. Mr. Mercer received the honorary de- 
gree of Doctor of Laws from Princeton in 1826. He died 
May 4, 1858. 

Edmund Morford was born in New Jersey. He 
removed to South Carolina after graduating, and became 
editor of the Charleston Courier. Mr. Morford after- 
wards established the Charleston Mercury and became 
its editor. He was very prominent as a political writer. 
He died in 1833. 

Jacob S. Otto, a brother of John C. Otto of the class 
of 1792, became a merchant in the City of Philadelphia. 

Matthew La Rue Perrine belonged to a large 
and influential family in Monmouth County, New Jersey. 
He studied theology under Dr. John Woodhull, of Free- 
hold, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of 
New Brunswick, September 18, 1799. On the 24th of 
June, 1800, he was ordained, and for four months acted 
as a Missionary in Western New York. On the 15th of 
June, 1802, he was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Bottle Hill, New Jersey. In 1809 he made 
another missionary tour, and on the 31st of October, 181 1, 
was installed as pastor of the Spring Street Church, New 
York. Here he continued till the summer of 1820, when, 
by his own request, the pastoral relation was dissolved. 
In 1 82 1 he was elected to the Professorship of Ecclesi- 
astical History and Church Polity in the Auburn Theo- 
logical Seminary. He continued actively engaged in the 
discharge of his various duties till near the close of his 

[ 302 ] 



1797- 

life. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Di- 
vinity from Allegheny College in 1818. 

The personal appearance of Dr. Perrine was altogether 
agreeable. His countenance indicated great mildness 
and benignity, mingled with thoughtfulness and intelli- 
gence ; his manners were urbane and winning ; his tem- 
per amiable and benevolent. He was naturally of a 
speculative and metaphysical turn. In theology, he har- 
monized with Dr. Emmons. As a preacher, he was 
always instructive and interesting, but could not be called 
popular. His style was correct and perspicuous, but, in 
a great measure, unadorned. There was great charm in 
the mellow and gentle tones of his voice. He had the 
reputation of being an accurate and thorough scholar. 
He died February 11, 1836. 

Dr. Perrine published : Letters concerning the Plan of Salvation, addressed 
to the Members of the Spring Street Church, New York, 1816. A Sermon 
before a French Missionary Society in New York, 18 17. An Abstract of 
Biblical Geography, 1835. 

Jolin Howe Peyton was the son of John Rowzee 
Peyton, of Stafford County, Virginia. Being admitted 
to the Bar, he settled at Staunton, Virginia, where he 
was long eminent. 

Dennis De Berdt Reed was a son of the distin- 
guished General Joseph Reed of the class of 1757. Mr 
Reed died at sea, January 5, 1805. 

Richard Rush was the son of Dr. Benjamin Rush, 
and grandson of Richard Stockton — both signers of the 
Declaration of Independence, and both graduates of 
Princeton. He studied law with William Lewis, Esq., 
then one of the leaders of the Philadelphia Bar, and was 
admitted to practice in 1800. For the next seven years 
he was devoted to the study of his profession. In 1808, he 
became prominent by his defence of Colonel Duane, edi- 
tor of the Aurora, the Democratic organ in Philadelphia. 

[ 303 ] 



1797- 

In January, 1811, he was appointed by Governor 
Snyder, Attorney-General of Pennsylvania. In Novem- 
ber of the same year, he was appointed by Mr. Madison 
First Comptroller of the Treasury. When the war of 
1812 commenced, Mr. Rush by his pen and in public ad- 
dresses, entered warmly into the defence of Mr. Madison 
and his policy. In 18 14, when but thirty-three years of 
age, he Vv^as offered the post either of Attorney-General, 
or Secretary of the Treasury. He chose the first, which 
he held until 181 7, discharging its important duties with 
eminent success. After the inauguration of Mr. Monroe, 
in 1 8 16, John Q. Adams, then Minister to England, was 
appointed Secretary of State, but for about six months 
previous to his return, Mr. Rush acted in that capacity. 
In October, 18 17, he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary 
and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Brit- 
ain, holding this high position until 1825. In 1825, he 
entered upon the office of Secretary of the Treasur}^, to 
which he had been previously appointed by Mr. Adams, 
and served during the continuance of that Administra- 
tion. In 1828, Mr. Rush was nominated on the same 
ticket with Mr. Adams for the office of Vice-President of 
the United States, and received the same number of 
electoral votes. Mr. Rush warmly sympathized with 
General Jackson in his administration. In March, 1847, 
he was appointed by President Polk, Minister to France. 
This was the last public position held by him. The 
closing years of his life were spent in retirement at the 
paternal estate of Sydenham, in the suburbs of Philadel- 
phia. He died in Philadelphia, July 30, 1859. 

^he publications of Mr. Rush are : Narrative of a. Residence at the Court 
of London from 1817 to 1825, 8vo, London and Philadelphia, 1833. In 
1845, he published a new and enlarged edition of the same work under the 
title of " Memoranda of a Residence at the Court of London, comprising 
incidents, Official and Personal, from 1819 to 1825 ; including negotiations 
on the Oregon Question and other unsettled questions between the United 
States and Great Britain." Oration delivered at Washington, July 4, 1812. 
Letters on Free Masonry, Philadelphia, 1831. Report against the Bank ol 
the United States, 1834. Whilst Attorney-General of the United States, he 

[ 304 J 



1797- 

superintended the publication of a new edition or codification of the Laws 
of the United States, issued in 1815 in 5 volumes. Washington in Domes- 
tic Life; from original Letters and Manuscripts. 1857. Occasional Pro- 
ductions, Political, Diplomatic and Miscellaneous. 1857. He also occa- 
sionally contributed to periodical literature. 

John Strawbriclge was a native of Pennsylvania. 
After graduating, he entered mercantile life, and was for 
many 3'ears a merchant in Philadelphia. He died at 
Germantown, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1858. 

Stephen Thompson received his license from the 
Presbytery of New York, October 9, 1800, and was or- 
dained and installed pastor of the Church at Connecticut 
Farms, New Jersey, June 15, 1802. In 1834, he remov^ed 
to Indiana, where he died. May 31, 1856. 

George Mcintosh Tronp was born in Georgia. 
On his return from college he studied law. In 1801, he 
was a member of the Legislature of Georgia, and was re- 
elected in 1802 and 1803. In 1806, he represented his 
State in Congress, holding the position until 181 5. In 
1 8 16, he was elected to the United States Senate, where 
he remained two years. In 1823, he was elected Gov- 
ernor of Georgia, from which post he retired in 1827, 
with a popularity equal to that of any former Chief 
Magistrate. In 1828, he was returned to the United 
States Senate, and held the position until 1834. In the 
Senate his feebleness of health forbade his participa- 
tion in debate. Governor Troup was a great advocate 
for State Rights and State Sovereignty. He died in 
1856. 

John Vancleve studied medicine, and practiced 
during his life in Princeton. He was a man of high at- 
tainments and great skill in his profession. He was a Trus- 
tee of the College from 18 10 to the day of his death in 
1826. Dr, Vancleve was a native of Hunterdon County, 
New Jersey. 

20 [ 305 ] 



1797- 

John Watson, probably the most remarkable man in 
a most distinguished class, was a native of Western Penn- 
sylvania ; but being left an orphan at an early age, he 
was received into the house of a friend of the family. 
When about six or seven years old, a copy of the " Vicar 
of Wakefield " fell into his hands, and from that time his 
desire to obtain knowledge was insatiable. 

The lady who had taken him into her house after the 
death of his parents, had a handsome collection of books, 
and especially of novels, of which she was a great reader. 
She soon discovered that Watson was, at every leisure 
moment, reading these books, and she peremptorily for- 
bade him the use of them. He wished to be obedient, 
but he could not resist his desire to read. He secretly 
took her books, and concealing them in a private place, 
read them by stealth. The stratagem being discovered, 
the book-case was locked and the key securely laid 
away ; but he finding a key which unlocked the case, 
continued to read until he had devoured .every book in 
the library. When about nine years old, he lived with a 
man who kept a tavern and a retail store, and under his 
instruction became proficient in writing and arithmetic. 
He was employed in the store and in the bar-room as 
circumstances required. About this time he fell in with 
a copy of Addison's Spectator, w^hich he read with great 
delight, and the Latin sentences prefixed to each num- 
ber, excited in him an intense desire to learn Latin. He 
soon got possession of a copy of Horace and an old Latin 
dictionary, and without the help of a grammar or other 
aids, he soon became familiar with the greater part of 
that difficult author. 

While he was thus employed, Judge Alexander Addi- 
son of Western Pennsylvania, while attending court, 
stopped at the public-house w^here Watson lived, and 
returning late one night found the young bar-keeper 
reading Horace by the light of the fire. From the Judge 
he received the first encouraging word that he had re- 
ceived since the death of his father. He remained in this 

[ 306 ] 



'797- 

place until he was nineteen, keeping- bar and studying- 
the classics and various branches of literature and 
science. 

About this time his proficiency became known to Rev. 
John McMillan, D.D., who appointed him an assistant 
teacher in the Academy at Cannonsburg. Here he re- 
mained eighteen months, when he entered the College at 
Princeton. Here he was pre-eminent for scholarship, 
unblemished morals and unaffected piety. 

On returning to his native State, he was immediately 
chosen Principal of the Academy at Cannonsburg ; and 
soon after, by an able and powerful appeal to the Legis- 
lature, he obtained the Charter of Jefferson College, of 
which he became the first President. In 1798, he was 
licensed to preach, and took charge soon after of a small 
congregation near Cannonsburg, and continued its pastor 
in connection with his college duties, until a short time 
before his death, which occurred November 31, 1802. 

Mr. Watson's scientific and literary attainments were 
equally extensive and exact. He was a good French, 
Spanish and Italian scholar, and was familiar with the 
Hebrew and Arabic. In a word, he was one of the most 
remarkable men of the day. 

[307] 



1798. 

Charles Ewing- was the son of James Ewing, a dis- 
tinguished citizen of New Jersey. He took the first 
honour in his class ; and, after graduation, studied law 
in Trenton, New Jersey, and was admitted to practice in 
1802. In October, 1824, he was appointed Chief-Justice 
of the State of New Jersey, and re-appointed in 1831. 
Judge Ewing may be justly reckoned among the greatest 
ornaments of the New Jersey Bar. His acquaintance 
with his own department of knowledge was both exten- 
sive and profound, closely resembling that of the English 
black-letter lawyers. In a very remarkable degree he 
kept himself abreast of the general literature of the day, 
and was even lavish in regard to the purchase of books. 

He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Tren- 
ton, and was an active and earnest Christian. He was 
eminently conservative in Church and State ; punctual 
in adherence to rule and precedent, incapable of being- 
led into any vagaries, sound in judgraent, tenacious of 
opinion, indefatigable in labour, and incorruptibly honest 
and honourable, so as to be proverbially cited all over 
the State. Judge Ewing received the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Laws from Jefferson College in 1830. He 
died at Trenton, August 5, 1832. 

Daniel Eliot Huger came from South Carolina, to 
which State he returned after graduating. For nearly 
half a century he was identified with the public service 
of his State as a member of the Legislature, State Sen- 
ate and Judge of her Courts. From 1843 to 1846 he was 
in the Senate of the United States. He died in August, 
1854. 

[ 308 ] 



1798. 

George Washington Reed, the youngest son of 
General Joseph Reed, v»^as born in Philadelphia, May 26, 
1780. After graduating, he entered the navy as a mid- 
shipman, and was soon promoted. In 1804 he was in 
command of the " Nautilus," and was in the engagement 
at Tripoli, where he showed great heroism. When the 
War of 181 2 broke out, Mr. Reed, then a Commander, 
was placed in command of the sloop-of-war " Vixen." 
On the 1 2th of November, 1812, his vessel was captured 
by the British frigate " Southampton." Soon after the 
capture, both vessels were wrecked on the Bahama Keys, 
at the Island of Conception. The frigate's crew became 
mutinous from intoxication, and the property which was 
saved from both wrecks was retrieved by the generous 
and indefatigable exertions of the American sailors. Cap- 
tain Reed himself was as actively engaged in the direc- 
tion and encouragement of the men as any of the British 
officers, and received the public acknowledgment of the 
British Commander, accompanied by an offer of his par- 
ole to return home. But such were the noble sentiments 
by which he was ever actuated, that he would not leave 
his officers and men, preferring to remain with them in 
an unhealthy climate, to which they were taken ; he be- 
came a victim to an obstinate fever, brought on by the 
anxieties and fatigues to which, by his unpleasant situa- 
tion and his unremitting attentions to the comforts of his 
men, he was necessarily exposed. His interment was at- 
tended by the British officers and a detachment from the 
garrison, and his funeral obsequies were accompanied by 
those honours due to his rank, and seldom withheld from 
each other by brave and generous enemies. He died at 
Jamaica, West Indies, January 4, 18 13. 

Henry Sergeant, a brother of John Sergeant of the 
class of 1795, resided, after his graduation, in Philadel- 
phia, where he pursued a mercantile life. 

Thomas Sergeant, a brother of the preceding, be- 

[ 309 ] 



1798. 

came eminent for his legal knowledge ; and from 1834 to 
1846 was Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 
and filled many other public stations with high reputa- 
tion. He died May 5, i860. 

The publications of Judge Sergeant are : Treatise upon the Laws of Penn- 
sylvania relative to the Proceedings by Foreign Attachment ; Philadelphia, 
181 1, 8vo. Constitutional Law, 1822, 8vo. View of the Land Laws of 
Pennsylvania, etc., 1838, 8vo. Reports, etc. Sketch of the National Ju- 
diciary Powers. 

In early life Judge Sergeant was a contributor of prose 
and poetical articles to the periodicals. 

Joseph Holmes Van Mater, of Monmouth County, 
New Jersey, never studied a profession, but engaged 
largely in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1^60. 

[310] 



1799- 

John Alston, after graduating, returned to South 
Carolina, his native state, and was occupied in planting 
cotton. 

William A. Alston, a brother of the above, never 
studied a profession, but, like his brother, was engaged 
in planting in South Carolina. 

Eleazer Burnet received his license to preach from 
the Presbytery of New York in 1804; and was ordained 
and installed at Newburg on the 20th of November, 1805 ; 
and died at New Brunswick, New Jersey, November 22, 
1806. He was labouring under a pulmonary disease at 
the time of his ordination. Mr. Burnet was distinguished 
for a quiet, amiable and devout spirit. 

John Forsyth was born in Fredericksburg, Vir- 
ginia, but removed with his father to Georgia when he 
was but four years old. He was prepared for college by 
the Rev. Mr. Springer, a graduate of Princeton of the 
class of 1775. After graduating, he returned to Georgia, 
and read law in the office of John Y. Noel, of Augusta, 
a graduate of the class of 1777. Soon after his admission 
to the Bar he was appointed Attorney-General of the 
State, and in this office attained great distinction. In 
181 1 he was elected to the House of Representatives of 
the United States. In 18 18 he was transferred to the 
United States Senate, where he remained until 18 19, 
when he was appointed Minister to Spain, where he re- 
mained several years engaged in adjusting the dififerences 
between that country and the United States. While in 

[3ii ] 



1799- 

Spain he was again elected to the House of Representa- 
tives, in which body he took his seat in 1823. In 1827 he 
was elected Governor of Georgia. At the expiration of 
his term of office in 1829, he was again elected to the 
United States Senate, where he remained until 1834, 
when he succeeded Mr. M'Lean as Secretary of State. 
During no period since the War of 18 12, had our foreign 
relations involved questions more important ; and the 
honour and success with which they were conducted 
were owing, in a great degree, to the talents and firmness 
of Mr. Forsyth. He died in Washington City, October 
21, 1841. 

In person he was upright and finely proportioned. As 
a speaker, he never failed to attract attention. He was 
always courteous and complimentary to his antagonist. 
He used little gesture, and his most emphatic passages 
were always in an under tone, which never failed to pro- 
duce a deep impression. In a still small voice he poured 
out heart and soul and feeling, charming his audience into 
silence. 

Mr. Forsyth was not a hard student, but he was a deep 
thinker. He mastered the contents of a book whilst 
others would be turning over its leaves. His knowledge 
was extensive, and whatever he knew was always at com- 
mand. As an off-hand debater, he had no superior. 

William Jenkins, the youngest son of David Jen- 
kins, Esq., was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 
in 1779. After completing the study of the law, he soon 
became prominent at the Lancaster Bar, and second to 
none among famed contemporaries, who made that Bar 
so distinguished. Mr. Jenkins was an able jurist and ripe 
lawyer, a safe counsellor and most eloquent advocate, 
winning his way to the hearts of a jury with a resistless 
power, and presenting to the court the strong law points 
of his case with a tact and energy that seldom failed in its 
effects. His mind was eminently legal, and a superior 
knowledge of law was his distinguishing characteristic. 

[ 312 ] 



1799- 

A son graduated at Princeton in 1835. Mr. Jenkins died 
in the City of Lancaster in 1853, universally respected 
for his social and high moral qualities. 

James Cathcart Johnson, a native of North Caro- 
lina, after leaving college studied law in his native State, 
but never practiced. His whole time was taken up in 
managing his large estates. 

Fredrick Nash was the son of Abner Nash, the sec- 
ond Governor of North Carolina under the Constitution. 
He became a distinguished lawyer. In 1804, 1805, he 
was in the House of Commons of North Carolina. In 
18 1 8 he was elected a Judge of the Superior Courts of 
Law and Equity, which he resigned in 18 19. In 1827, 
1828, he was again in the House of Commons. In 1836 
he was elected a Judge of the Superior Court, from which 
he was transferred in 1844 to the bench of the Supreme 
Court, which he occupied with great satisfaction to the 
State and credit to himself. 

James Rogers was born in Milford, Delaware, and 
was a son of Governor Daniel Rogers of that State. He 
studied law with Nicholas Ridgley, afterwards Chancel- 
lor of Delaware, and after admission to the Bar settled in 
New Castle, where he followed his profession. He mar- 
ried a daughter of the Hon. James Booth, Chief-Justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware, and held for 
twenty years the office of Attorney-General of Delaware. 
Mr. Rogers ranked with the first lawyers of his day, was 
a leading man of the Federalists, and was respected and 
esteemed by all. He was a communicant, trustee and 
vestryman of Immanuel Church, New Castle, for many 
years. Relinquishing the practice of the law, he retired 
to his seat, Boothhurst, about a mile and a half from 
New Castle, and resided there till his death. May 12, 1868, 
aged eighty-eight years. He was erect, and retained his 
powers of mind and body remarkably to his decease. He 

[ 313 ] 



1799- 

is universally spoken of as a perfect gentleman in dress, 
manners and character. Four sons survive him ; two of 
them lawyers in San Francisco, California. 

Henry G. Wisner was a son of Henry Wisner, a 
man of note in Orange County, New York. After study- 
ing law he settled at Goshen, New York, where he rose 
to the highest eminence in his profession. 

[314] 



i8oo. 

James Carnahan, the son of Major Carnahan of the 
Revolutionary army, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 
in 1775. He graduated with the highest honours, speaking 
the English Salutatory at Commencement. For one year 
after his graduation he studied Theology under Dr. Mc- 
Millan at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, after which he re- 
turned to Princeton, becoming tutor in the college, and 
pursuing his theological studies under President Smith. 
In April, 1804, he was licensed by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, and supplied the vacant churches in the 
bounds of that Presbytery for some time. On the 5th of 
January, 1805, he was ordained pastor of Whitesborough 
and Utica Churches in New York, where he remained 
until 1 8 14, when, on account of the state of his health? 
he resigned his charge, and, after teaching for a. short 
time at Princeton, New Jersey, removed to Georgetown, 
District of Columbia, and opened a Classical Academy, 
which soon became quite prosperous. In 1821 he re- 
ceived the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
Hamilton College. 

In 1823 Dr. Carnahan was elected President of the 
college. Dr. Green having resigned the year before. 
He remained in this eminent post for thirty years, pre- 
siding with dignity and honour. But in 1853 failing 
health, and the increasing infirmities of age, compelled 
him to resign. He remained a member of the Board of 
Trustees till his death. He died at his son-in-law's, in 
Newark, March 3, 1859. The time during which Dr. 
Carnahan presided over the college was the period of its 
greatest prosperity. 

Dr. Carnahan published a number of Baccalaureate 

• [31s] 



i8oo. 

Addresses and Sermons, and some articles in the earlier 
numbers of the Princeton Review ; he also edited the Life 
of the Rev. John Johnson, of Newburg, New York, in 
1856. Though a forcible writer, with great perspicuity 
of style, he was very reluctant to appear as an author, so 
much so, that he expressly stated in his will that none 
of his lectures or other manuscripts should be published. 
His funeral took place in Princeton, and his dust mingles 
with the dust of the mighty dead of Nassau Hall. 

Arthur Kose Fitzhugh, a native of Stafford Coun- 
ty, Virginia, took the second honour of his class, and de- 
livered the Valedictory. He returned to Virginia and 
read law, but did not practice his profession. He died at 
the early age of forty-two in the year 1823. Mr. Fitz- 
hugh was a man of remarkable talent ; and was cele- 
brated for his handsome person and address. 

Jacob Liindly came to college from Western Penn- 
sylvania in company with his classmate James Carnahan. 
Lindly had a fine horse which he would ride for five or 
ten miles, and then tie him by the road side and proceed 
on foot ; his friend, Carnahan, coming" up, would mount 
the horse and ride on. Thus alternating they at last 
reached Princeton. How little did the young men im- 
agine, while they were "riding and tying," that both 
would in course of years become Presidents of Colleges ; 
the one of his Alma Mater, the other of a college in what 
was then a far western Territory. 

Mr. Lindly became the first President of Ohio Univer- 
sity at Athens, about 1804. Whether he was ever settled 
after he left the University, I have not been able to dis- 
cover. He died in 1856. 

Benjamin Morgan Palmer was the grandson of 
the Rev. Samuel Palmer of Barnstable, Massachusetts, 
and a son of Job Palmer who emigrated from Massachu- 
setts to Charleston, South Carolina, previous to the Revo- 



i8oo. 

lution. The subject of our sketch was born in Philadel- 
phia, September 25, 1781, his parents having been driven 
there by the storm of the Revolution. He was licensed 
to preach on the 7th of June, 1803, by the "Congrega- 
tional Association of Ministers " in South Carolina, and 
ordained and installed pastor of the Church at Beau- 
fort, South Carolina, April 28, 1804. Here he laboured 
with much fidelity until 18 13, when he removed to 
Charleston, and became pastor of the Circular Church, 
where he continued until 1835, when his health failed, 
and he resigned. The honorary degree of Doctor of 
Divinity was conferred upon him by the College of 
South Carolina in 181 5. He died October 9, 1847. 

The great charm of Dr. Palmer's character was trans- 
parent simplicity. His mind was saturated with the 
meaning, spirit and language of the Bible. His thoughts 
in the pulpit were, therefore, always fresh. His prayers 
were most remarkable. He was of medium stature ; 
though a spare habit and an erect figure added to his 
apparent height. He was pre-eminently composed in 
manner, and dignified in his carriage ; his voice was deep 
and sonorous. In the midst of so/:iety he was often sunk 
in deep reverie, wrapped up in the seclusion of his own 
thoughts. 

Dr. Palmer published : Believing Baptism, no Argument against Infant 
Baptism ; a Sermon preached in Beaufort, 1809. Gratitude and Penitence re- 
commended from the united consideration of national judgments ; a Sermon 
delivered on a day appointed for Humiliation, Thanksgiving and Pra)'er in 
Charleston, 18 14. The Signs of the Times discovered and improved ; two 
Sermons delivered in the Independent Church, Charleston, 1816. The De- 
jected Christi'an Encouraged ; two Discourses preached in the Independent 
Church, Charleston, 18 16. A Charge at the Ordination of Rev. Jonas King 
and Alfred Wright, the former of whom was ordained a City Missionary in 
Charleston, among the Seamen and others ; the latter as a Missionary to 
the Choctaw Indians ; 1819. A Sermon on the Anniversary of the Sabbath 
School Association in Charleston, 1819. Importance of the Ministerial Of- 
fice ; a Sermon preached in the Independent or Congregational Church in 
Charleston at the Ordination of five young men as Evangelists, 1821. Re- 
ligion Profitable ; a Sermon with a special reference to the case of Servants, 
delivered in the Circular Church, 1822. The three following were pub- 
lished in the Southern Preacher, 1824. The Reasons which Christians have 

[317] 



i8oo. 

for mourning the sudden removal of men who have been distinguished for 
the excellence of their characters, and the usefulness of their lives ; a Ser- 
mon delivered on the death of Dr. David Ramsay. A Sermon on the Con- 
sequences of Unbelief. A Sermon on the Admonition administered to 
Elijah. Good men the Protection and Ornament of a Community ; a Ser- 
mon delivered in the Circular Church, Charleston, on the death of Josiah 
Smith, Esq., eldest Deacon of the Church, 1826. The Children of profes- 
sing believers God's Children ; or, The Right of the Children of God's peo- 
ple to the initiating seal of the Covenant asserted and maintained ; a Ser- 
mon delivered in the Circular Church, 1835. ^ Sermon published in the 
National Preacher, entitled, "The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted," 1836. 
The Family Companion, with an Appendix containing a Sermon delivered 
on the Sacramental occasion that terminated his pastoral relation to his 
people in July, 1835. 

Robert F. Smith was a son of John Blair Smith of 
the class of 1773. He was settled for some time over a 
Presbyterian Church at Snow Hill, Maryland, where he 
died in 1824. 

[318] 





INDEX. 






PAGE, 




PAGE. 


Abeel, Jolin Nelson . 


. 232 


Barclay, David . 


. 252 


Agnew, James 


. 281 


Bard, David 


. 160 


Agnew, Martin . 


. 297 


Barnum, Caleb . 


. 43 


Agnew, William 


. 297 


Barrett, Moses . 


27 


Alexander, Evan 


. 232 


Bay, Hugh . 


. 9 


Alexander, Isaac 


. 147 


Bayard Andrew 


. 204 


Alexander, Joseph 


. 63 


Bayard, James Ashton 


. 199 


Alexander, Joseph McKnitt 


. 257 


Bayard, James Ashton . 


. 220 


Alexander, Nathaniel . 


. 193 


Bayard, Nicholas 


. 43 


Alison, Hugh . 


76 


Bayard, Nicholas . 


. 257 


Allen, Moses 


. 147 


Bayard, Samuel . 


. 221 


Alston, John . 


. 311 


Bay ley, Thomas 


. 297 


Alston, William A, 


. 311 


Bayly, Thomas M. 


. 272 


Anderson, William A. 


. 243 


Beasley, Fredrick . 


. 297 


Anderson, William T. 


. 289 


Beatty, Charles Clinton 


. 182 


Archer, John . 


64 


Beatty, John . 


. 127 


Archibald, Robert 


. 147 


Beatty, Richard L. 


. 297 


Armstrong, James Francis 


. 160 


Bedford, Gunning . 


. 139 


Avery, Waightstill 


. 104 


Bellach, Thomas A. . 


. 237 


Axtell, Henry . 


. 289 


Benedict, Joel . 


95 


Ayres, Enos 


. 1 


Benedict, Noah . 


. 44 






Berrien, John Macpherson . 


290 


Bacon, John 


95 


Bibb, George M. . 


. 257 


Bainbridge, Absalom . 


. 76 


Black, John 


. 139 


Balch, Hezekiah 


. 104 


Blackwell, Robert : 


. 121 


Balch, Hezekiah James 


. 105 


Blair, John Duburrow 


. 182 


Balch, Stephen Bloomer . 


173 


Blair, Samuel 


. 64 


Baldwin, John . 


. 220 


Blair, William Lawrence 


. 127 


Baldwin, Jonathan . 


. 34 


Bleeker, Peter 


. 259 


Baldwin, Moses . 


. 43 


Boileau, Nathaniel . 


. 243 


Baldwin, Samuel 


. 134 


Boyd, James 


. 82 


Barber, Francis . 


. 117 


Boyd, John A. 


. 281 


Barber, George C. . 


. 289 


Boyd, William 

(319) 


. 202 



320 



INDEX. 



Brackenridge, Hugh Henry . 


140 


Clinton, Alexander 


. 9 


Bradford, Ebenezer 


. 161 


Close, John 


82 


Bradford, William . 


173 


Clymer Henry . 


. 228 


Bradford. William 


. 148 


Clymer, Meredith . 


. 232 


Bradner, Benoni 


34 


Coe, Aaron. 


. 299 


Breck, Daniel 


. 174 


Collins, John . 


. 244 


Brevard, Ephraim . 


123 


Comfort, David . 


. 281 


Broom, James M. 


. 272 


Condict, Aaron 


. 237 


Brown, Daniel I. . . . 


22 


Condict, Ira 


. 222 


Brown, Jolin . . . 


. 5 


Condit, Silas . 


. 281 


Brush, Abner .... 


44 


Conklin, Benjamin 


. 35 


Burnet, Eleazer . 


. 311 


Cooper, Robert 


. . 82 


Burnet, George Whitefield 


259 


Cowell, David 


. 83 


Burnet, Icliabod . 


. 183 


Co well, Ebenezer . 


. 105 


Burnet, Jacob ..... 


252 


Craig, Archibald 


. 161 


Burnet, MatMas . 


. 127 


Craighead, John 


83 


Burnet, William 


5 


Craighead, Thomas B. 


. 183 


Burr, Aaron 


. 149 


Crane, Daniel. . 


. 299 


Burr, Tliaddeus 


34 


Crane, Isaac Watts 


. 244 






Crawford, Edward . 


. 184 


Caldwell, David . 


. 70 


Crawford, James 


. 200 


Caldwell, Elias Boudinot 


291 


Crawford, William . 


. 209 


Caldwell, James. 


. 57 


Cumming, John Noble . 


. 174 


Caldwell, Joseph 


253 


Curtiss, Caleb 


. 45 


Calhoun, John Ewing 


. 174 


Cuthbert, George R. 


. 281 


Camp, Stephen ... 


38 






Campbell, Donald 


. 141 


Davenport, Ebenezer. 


. 76 


Campbell, George Washington 


272 


Davenport, John 


. 128 


Campfield, Jabez 


58 


Davie, William Richardso 


n .193 


Canfield, Israel . 


. 22 


Davies, John Rodgers 


. 128 


Cantine, Moses J. . . 


291 


Davies, William . 


. 96 


Carmichael, John 


. 58 


Dayton, Jonathan . 


. 194 


Carnahan, James 


315 


Debow, John 


. 150 


Case, Wheeler . 


. 35 


Devens, Richard 


. 118 


Cazier, Mathias . . 


225 


Dewitt, Peter 


. 128 


Channing, William 


. 128 


Dickersou, Mahlon . 


. 244 


Chapman, Benjamin 


27 


Dickinson, Samuel Sharpe 


. 254 


Chapman, Robert Hett . 


243 


Ditmars, Dow . 


. 267 


Chestnut, Benjamin . 


. 1 


Doak, Samuel 


. 184 


Chestnut, James 


259 


Dod, Thaddeus 


. 161 


Chetwood, William . 


. 259 


Duffield, George . 


. 17 


Clagget, Thomas John . 


90 


Dunlap, James 


. 162 


Clark, John 


. 58 






Clark, Joseph , . . . 


208 


Eakin, Samuel . 


. 84 


Clark, Samuel 


. 12 


Early, Peter . 


. 260 


Clarke, James W. . 


299 


Eckley, Joseph . 


150 


Clarkson, George 


. 237 


Edminston, Samuel 


. 105 


Clay, Joseph . 


221 


Edwards, Henry Waggamj 


in . 300 





INDEX. 


321 


Edwards, John Stark 


. 393 


Gelston, Maltby 


354 


Edwards, Jonathan 


. 96 


Gibson, James 


. 334 


Edwards, Pierpont . 


134 


Gibson, John . 


367 


Edwards, Timothy 


. 45 


Giles, William Branch 


. 309 


Ellsworth, Oliver . 


• 106 


Gordon, Alexander . 


13 


Elmendorf, Conrad 


. 311 


Graham, Edward 


. 339 


Elmendorf, Edmund 


. 373 


Graham, William . 


163 


Eltinge, Wilhemus 


. 393 


Grant, Thomas . 


. 339 


Emerson, Ezekiel . 


84 


Green, Ashbel . . • . 


313 


English, David . 


. 345 


Green, Enoc 


. 65 


Eppes, Richard 


. 337 


Green, Charles Dickinson 


334 


Erwin, Benjamin 


. 195 


Green, Richard M. 


. 373 


Evans, Israel . 


. 151 


Gregory, Elnathan . 


45 


Everett, Nicholas C. . 


. 373 


Grier, James 


. 153 


Ewing, Charles 


. 308 






Ewing, John 


. 37 


Halt, Benjamin 


38 


Ewing, William B. , 


. 373 


Hall, James 


. 175 


Eyre, Manuel 


. 357 


Halsted, Robert 


97 






Halsey, Jeremiah 


. 17 


Faitoute, George 


. 195 


Handy, Isaac .... 


71 


Faneuil, Peter , 


. 45 


Hanna, John ... 


. 36 


Farrand, Daniel 


9 


Hanna, John A. . . . 


311 


Finley, Ebenezer 


. 151 


Harper, Robert Goodloe 


. 335 


Finley, John Evans 


. 195 


Harris, Charles Wilson . 


360 


Finley, Robert 


. 333 


Harris, Israel 


. 349 


Fish, Peter 


. 174 


Harris, John .... 


33 


Fithian, Philip Vicars 


. 151 


Harris, Robert 


. 33 


Fitzgerald, John 


. 393 


Harris, Thomas R. . 


338 


Fitzhugh, Arthur R. . 


. 316 


Harrison, Abraham 


. 300 


Force, James G. 


. 373 


Harrison, Josiah 


383 


Ford, Gabriel H. . 


. 333 


Hart, Joshua 


. 135 


Ford, Jacob 


. 360 


Hasbrouck, Joseph . 


107 


Ford, Timothy . 


. 313 


Hayes, Samuel . 


. 383 


Forman, William Gordon 


. 338 


Hazard, Ebenezer . 


77 


Forsyth, John 


. 311 


Hazard, Nathaniel 


. 93 


Forsyth, Robert M. . 


. 393 


Henderson, Joseph Washington 


193 


Foster, William . 


. 91 


Henderson, Thomas . 


. 71 


Frazer, William C. . 


. 300 


Henry, Hugh .... 


3 


Frelinghuysen, Frederick . 


. 134 


Henry, John 


. 139 


Frelinghuysen, Jacobus . 


11 


Henry, John V. . . . 


336 


Freneau, Philip . 


. 141 


Henry Robert . 


. 13 


Furman, John W. . 


. 373 


Herring, Elbert 


383 


Furman, Moore . 


. 373 


Hiester, John S. . 


. 373 






Hobart, John Henry 


367 


Gantt, Edward 


76 


Hodge, Andrew . 


. 153 


Gardiner, David . 


. 345 


Hodge, Hugh . . . . 


164 


Gardiner, John Lyon 


. 345 


Hodge, Hugh 


. 177 


Gaston, William 


. 394 


Hogg, John .... 


7 


21 









322 



INDEX, 



HoUydav, Henry- 


. 255 


Hopkins, James 


. 222 


Horton, Azariah . 


. 135 


Horton, Ezra . 


29 


Hosack, David 


. 245 


Hosaek, William 


. 261 


Houston, Alexander . 


. 65 


Houston, John 


23 


Houston, William Churchil 


I . 124 


HoustouE, Patrick . 


. 283 


How, Thomas Yardley 


. 274 


Howell, David 


. 107 


Howell, Nathaniel W. 


. 238 


Hugg, William King 


. 229 


Huger, Daniel Eliot , 


. 308 


Hughes, Thomas Edgar . 


, 300 


Hunt, Holloway W. . 


. 274 


Hunt, James . 


59 


Hunt, James 


• 216 


Hunt, Nathaniel 


. 269 


Hunt, Ralph P. . 


. 229 


Hunt, Robert . . 


. 269 


Hunt, William Pitt . 


. 229 


Hunter, Andrew 


. 153 


Huntington, John 


. 59 


Hutchinson, Titus . 


. 275 


Hutson, Richard 


. 97 


Imlay, James Henderson 


. 229 


Irving, Thomas Pitt . 


, . 246 


Irwin Nathaniel 


• 135 



Jauncey, James . • . .85 

Jauncey, William ... 72 

Jenkins, William . . .312 

Johnson, James Cathcart . 313 

Johnson, Robert G. . . . 249 

Johnson, W^illiam . • . 249 
Joline, John .... 185 

Jones, Daniel .... 108 

Keen e, Richard R. . . .283 

Keith, Isaac Stockton . . 185 

Keith, Robert . . . . 153 J 

Kelsey, Enos .... 65 
Kennedy, Thomas ... 7 

Ker, Jacob .... 52 

Ker, Nathan . . . .72 



Kerr, Alexander S. . 
Keyes, Eleazer W. 
King, Andrew 
Kirkland, Samuel 
Kirkpatrick, Andrew 
Kirkpatrick, William 
Kirkpatrick, William 
Kittera, John Wilkes 
Knox, Hugh . 
Kollock, Henry . 



Lathrop, John 

Lawrence, Nathaniel 

Leake, Samuel 

Leake, Samuel 

Lee, Edmund J. 

Lee, Charles 

Lee, Henry 

Le Conte, Peter 

Leslie, James . 

Lewis, Josiah 

Lewis, Morgan 

Lindly, Jacob 

Linn, James 

Linn, John . 

Linn, William 

Livermore, Samuel 

Livingston, Edward 

Livingston, Henry Brockholst 

Livingston, Henry Philip 

Livingston, Maturin . 

Livingston, Peter R. 

Livingston, Peter V. B. 

Livingston, Peter William 

Livingston, Philip Peter 

Livingston, Philip Phils 

Livingston, William Smith 

Low, Cornelius 

Luckey, George . 

Lydekker, Garret 

Lyon, James 

Lyon, Joseph . 

Macconnell, James 
Macay, Spruce 
Macpherson, John 
Madison, James 
Mahon, William 



301 
284 
165 

98 
186 

45 
238 
196 

29 
275 

85 
216 

92 
177 
261 
188 
165 
301 

60 
108 
166 
316 
129 
166 
154 

18 
209 
177 
196 
230 

52 
108 
230 

52 

52 
155 

19 
155 

36 

60 

86 

167 
188 
110 
143 
211 





INDEX. 


323 


Manning, James 


77 


Noble, Obadiah . 


. 80 


Markoe, Francis . 


. 255 


Noel, John Y. . 


. 200 


Marsh, Amos . 


. 230 


Noyes, Ebenezer 


. 60 


Martin, Alexander 


. 38 


Noyes, Joshua 


60 


Martin, Henry 


14 


Noyes, Nathaniel 


. 61 


Martin, Luther . 


. Ill 






Martin, Thomas 


78 


Odell, Jonathan 


31 


Mason, Jonathan 


. 179 


Ogden, Aaron 


. 168 


Matthews, David 


30 


Ogden, Henry W. 


. 295 


Maxwell, George C. . 


. 262 


Ogden, Isaac 


. 223 


McAden, Hugh 


. 24 


Ogden, John Cosins 


. 136 


McAllister, Matthew . 


. 204 


Ogden, Jonathan 


. 99 


McCaule, Thomas Harris 


. 178 


Ogden, Josiah . 


39 


McCalla, Daniel . 


. 109 


Ogden, Robert . 


. 99 


McClintock, Samuel 


13 


Ogden, Robert 


. 269 


McCorkle, Samuel E. 


. 156 


Osborne, Adlai . 


. 124 


McCrackin, Thomas 


72 


Osborne, Sylvanus . 


31 


McCrea, John 


. 77 


Otto, Jacob S. 


. 302 


McCrery, John 


92 


Otto, John C. . . . 


. 262 


McKesson, John . 


. 24 


Palmer, Benjamin M. 


. 316 


McKnight, Charles 


. 142 


Parkhurst, Samuel . 


. 47 


McKnight, John 


. 167 


Paterson, William 


. 86 


McMillan, John 


. 157 


Paulison, Paul 


. 277 


McMullen, French T. . 


. 295 


Pearson, Robert . 


. 211 


McPherrin, Thomas . 


. 136 


Peck, Joseph . 


39 


McRee, James 


. 188 


Pemberton, Ebenezer . 


. 100 


McWhorter, Alexander . 


46 


Pendleton, Philip C. 


. 295 


McWhorter, Alex. Gumming 


. 223 


Peppard, Francis 
Periam, Joseph 


. 78 


Melville, Thomas 


129 


79 


Mercer, Charles Fenton 


. 301 


Perkins, Nathan 


. 136 


Merchant, George . 


204 


Perrine, Matthew La Rue 


. 302 


Miller, Alexander 


. 92 


Perry, William . 


. 247 


Mills, William 


39 


Peyton, John Howe 


. 303 


Milner, John 


. 53 


Pierce, Thomas . 


. 61 


Mitchell, Alexander 


99 


Pierson, Cyrus 


. 197 


Moffat, John 


. 7 


Pierson, Isaac 


. 247 


Montgomery, John . 


189 


Pintard, John 


. 197 


Montgomery, Joseph . 


. 36 


Piatt, Richard 


. 169 


Moody, John . . . . 


295 


Polhemus, Henry 


. 277 


Morford, Edmund 


. 302 


Pollock, George 


. 235 


Morris, Lewis . 


179 


Pollock, Thomas 


. 230 


Morton, Jacob 


. 202 


Pomeroy, Ralph 


53 


Morton, George Washington 


262 


Potter, Nathaniel 


. 25 






Power, James . 


. 118 


Nash, Fredrick . 


. 313 


Prime, Benjamin Y. . 


. 14 


Neilson, John . 


. 269 


Purviance, David 


31 


Niles, Nathaniel . 


. 112 






Niles, Samuel . 


130 


Radcliff, Jacob . 


. 216 



324 



INDEX. 



Radcliff, William 

Ramsay, David . 

Ramsay, Nathaniel 

Ramsay, William 

Rdttoone, Elijali J>. 

Reade, John 

Reed, Dennis D. B. 

Reed, George Washington 

Reed, Joseph . 

Reed, Joseph 

Reese, Edwin . 

Reese, Oliver 

Reese, Thomas 

Reeve, Tapping . 

Reid, Israel 

Rice, David . 

Riddle, James . 

Riggs, Elias 

Rodgers, John R. B. 

Roe, Azel 

Rogers, James 

Romeyn, Theodore D, 

Root, Jesse 

Roots, Benajah 

Rosb rough, John 

Ross, Robert 

Ross, William . 

Ruan, James 

Ruan, John, 

Rue, Joseph 

Rush, Benjamin 

Rush, Jacob 

Rush, Richard 

Russell, Caleb 

Russell, Robert 

Ruston, Thomas 

Rutherford, John 



Sayre, Stephen . 
Sayres, John J. 
Sample, Nathaniel W. 
Schenck, William . 
Scott, Archibald . 
Scott, Joseph Warren 
Scudder, John A. 
Scudder, Joseph 
Scudder, Nathaniel 
Sergeant, Henry . 



223 
100 

118 

31 

235 

235 

303 

309 

47 

264 

277 

158 

125 

87 

2 

72 

204 

284 

189 

. 40 

313 

101 

41 

32 

73 

15 

264 

264 

250 

198 

66 

101 

303 

137 

264 

• 79 

198 

49 
264 
198 
119 
190 
284 
190 
203 

15 
309 



Sergeant, John . 
Sergeant, Jonathan D 
Sergeant, Thomas 
Shannon, Samuel . 
Sherburne, Henry 
Sherman, Josiah 
Sherman, Nathaniel 
Shippen, Josephi 
Shippen, William 
Simpson, John 
Simpson, John N. 
Skillman, Isaac 
Slemmons, John . 
Slemons, John B. 
Sloan, William B. 
Smalley, Henry 
Smith, Belcher Peartree 
Smith, Charles 
Smith, David 
Smith, Edward D. , 
Smith, Hezekiah 
Smith, Isaac 
Smith, Isaac 
Smith, James . 
Smith, John 
Smith, John B. 
Smith, John R. . 
Smith, John W. 
Smith, Jonathan B. 
Smith, Joseph . 
Smith, Robert F. 
Smith, Samuel . 
Smith, Samuel Stanhope 
Smith, Thomas . 
Smith, Thomas 
Smith, Thomas . 
Smith, Timothy T. 
Smith, William . 
Smith, William R. . 
Smith, William S. 
Snowden, Benjamin P 
Snowden, Charles 
Snowden, Gilbert T. 
Snowden, Nathaniel R 
Snowden, Samuel F 
Spencer, John E. 
Spencer, Samuel 
Spring, Alpheus 



285 

79 

309 

198 

61 

32 

25 

25 

33 

88 

277 

115 

67 

278 

265 

230 

169 

230 

50 

286 

80 

37 

137 

49 

137 

170 

235 

286 

67 

92 

318 

115 

130 

33 

53 

126 

239 

115 

171 

179 

199 

247 

217 

236 

231 

224 

61 

115 



INDEX. 



325 



Spring, Samuel 
Springer, John . 
Staples, John . 
Stelle, Benjamin 
Stewart, Samael R. 
Stockton, Ebenezer 
Stockton, Lucius H. 
Stockton, Richard 
Stockton, Richard . 
Stockton, Samuel W. 
Stone, David . 
Stone, Fredrick . 
Story, Isaac 
Strain, John 
Strawbridge, John . 



Taylor, Edward . 
Taylor, John . 
Taylor, Robert J. 
Templetou, James 
Ten Eyke, Abraham 
Tennent, Charles 
Tennent, John V. B 
Tennent, William 
Tennent, William M 
Thane, Daniel 
Thatcher, Josiah 
Thayer, Alexander 
Thayer, Elihu .^ 
Thew, Daniel . 
Thomson, Amos . 
Thomson, Jacob S. 
Thomson, James 
Thomson, Smith 
Thomson, Stephen 
Thurston, David 
Tichenor, Isaac . 
Tilton, James . 
Todd, John . 
Townsend, Micah 
Tracy, Stephen 
Tread well, Thomas 
Treat, Joseph 
Troup, George McI. 
Tuttle, James . 

Vanarsdale, Elias 
Vanartsdalen, Jacob 



145 
191 
101 
115 
231 
206 
236 
2 
204 
119 
239 
255 
126 
50 
305 

217 
250 
286 
158 
288 
269 

54 

54 

89 
4 

67 
102 
133 
236 

68 
265 

75 
240 
305 

16 
191 
288 
7 
116 
137 

93 

50 
305 

94 

256 
102 



Van Bunschooten, Elias . . 126 
Vance, Hugh . . . 120 

Van Cleve, John . . .305 
Van Cleve, John W. . . . 231 
Van Cortlandt, Nicholas B. . 180 
Van Derveer, Lawrence . . 75 
Van Doren, Isaac . . . 269 
Van Dyke, Nicholas . . . 240 
Van Mater, Joseph H. . . 310 
Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah . . 55 
Voorhees, Stephen . . . 102 
Venable, Abraham B. . . 207 
Venable, Joseph .... 218 
Venable, Nathaniel . . . 296 
Venable, Richard N. . . 212 

Venable, Samuel W. . . . 206 

Wade, Nehemiah . . . 199 
Wadhams, Noah ... 33 

Wallace, Caleb . . .138 

WaUace, John B. . . .279 
Wallace, Joshua Madox . . 270 
Wallace, Matthew G. . . . 288 
Warford, John . . .180 

Watkins, William M. . . . 265 
Watson, John . . . .305 
Watt, James ... 89 

Waugh, Samuel . . .171 
Wells, Henry .... 51 

Wells, John 240 

Whitaker, Nathaniel . . .19 
Whittlesey, Eleazer ... .8 
Whitwell, Samuel ... 180 
Whitwell, William . . . 56 
Wiley, David .... 242 
Wilkin, James .... 226 
Willing, George . . . 266 
Williams, Simeon . . . 102 
Williams, Simon ... 89 
Williamson, Mathias . . . 138 
Williamson, William R. . . 279 
Wilson, EphraemK. . .247 

Wilson, James . . . 138 
Wilson, Lewis F. . . . 171 
Wilson, Peter . . . .203 
Wilson, Samuel . . .212 
Wisner, Henry G. . . . 314 

Witherspoon, David . . 181 



^. 



326 


INDEX. 




Witlierspoon, James . 


. 138 


Woodruff, Abner 


. 224 


Witherspoon, Jotm 


172 


Woodruff, Benjamin 


26 


Witherspoon, Jolin R. 


. 279 


Woodruff, George W. 


. 218 


Wood, Silas . . . 


. 248 


Woodruff, Joseph 


. 26 


Woodbridge, Jahleel . 


. 75 


Woods, Matthew 


. 203 


Woodliull, George S. 


. 251 


Wright, Clayton . 


288 


Woodlmll, John . 


. 116 


Wright, John 


. 20 


Woodliull, William 


. . 94 






Woodman, Joseph 


.116 


Zubley, David . 


. 133 


"Woodruff, Aaron D. 


. 205 











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